Libby Rea Brownlee: GenoMoCare - evaluating a nurse-led model of care to implement routine genomic testing in oncology

<p dir="ltr">Background: Genomic testing personalises cancer care but is complex, requires system change, and has unique cultural significance for Māori. In Aotearoa, integration remains limited. Cancer nurses may be an ideal workforce to lead delivery.</p><p dir="ltr">Aim: To assess feasibility of a nurse-led model for genomic-informed cancer care.</p><p dir="ltr">Method: In 2024, Te Pūriri o Te Ora piloted DPYD testing for GI cancer patients receiving 5FU/capecitabine. Using an Aotearoa-modified Clinical Pathway Initiative, cancer nurses provided counselling, consent, and blood sampling, returned results before treatment, and monitored variant carriers. The GenoMoCare study evaluated feasibility, turnaround times (TAT), and experiences of patients (n=11) and clinicians (n=5).</p><p dir="ltr">Results: The framework was feasible and acceptable. Mean TAT was 8.6 days. Process gaps highlighted need for national standardisation. Nurse-led delivery required extra resource.</p><p dir="ltr">Conclusion: The first Aotearoa nurse-led genomic model emphasises workforce development and cultural safety to build genomic capability.</p>