The purpose of this proposed educational project is to improve the care of persons at risk for cancer by improving the knowledge and skills of oncology nurses in the areas of basic and cancer genetics. This purpose, in congruence with objective 3.1 of Healthy People 2010 """"""""reduce the overall cancer death rate,"""""""" will be accomplished through a nation-wide dissemination project targeted to the 29,000 members of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS). The need for the project was identified through a targeted needs assessment of the ONS membership as well as through a review of the literature relevant to the presence of genetics content in basic and advanced nursing education programs. The project is multi-leveled and will utilize the """"""""train-the-trainer"""""""" model successfully implemented by the ONS in the dissemination of other oncology specialty information. The project begins with the development of a two-day short-course in basic and cancer genetics targeted to master?s prepared advanced practice nurses in oncology. The short-course will be offered by health care professionals with extensive experience in both genetics and continuing education, multiple times in a variety of regions to assure broadest dissemination. Web-based instruction and other on-line technologies will be integrated into the project. Over the life of the project, the expected outcome of the short-course is the preparation of at least 500 additional """"""""trainers"""""""" who will further disseminate basic and cancer genetics information to the general ONS membership through numerous structured local workshops and individualized projects. Thus, the specific aims of this proposed educational project are: 2. To develop, disseminate, and evaluate educational programs and materials specific to the knowledge required for competency in cancer-related genetic issues. 2. To develop a cadre of advanced practice oncology nurses who will promote the integration of basic genetics and cancer genetic information into clinical nursing practice and education. Project evaluation will include both project activities and outcomes.
