PERSONALIZED MEDICINE AND LABORATORY TESTING: THE EXPANDING ROLE OF NURSING IN TAILORED PATIENT CARE

*Abdulrhman Ali Almazam, Ali Khalil Hassan Khader, Ali Jamal Alanazi, Nawal Hayef Bejad Almutairi, Meshal Abdullah Alanazi

ABSTRACT

Background: Personalized medicine represents a transformative approach to healthcare, tailoring treatment strategies based on individual patient characteristics, such as genetics, environment, and lifestyle. Laboratory testing plays a pivotal role in identifying biomarkers, genetic variations, and other critical data essential for the development of personalized care plans. Nursing professionals, with their patient-centered focus and role in care coordination, are increasingly integral to implementing personalized medicine in clinical settings. Despite its potential, the integration of personalized medicine faces challenges, including ethical considerations, disparities in access, and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration. Aim: This paper aims to explore the expanding role of nursing in personalized medicine, particularly in the context of laboratory testing and tailored patient care. It investigates how laboratory innovations support personalized medicine, examines nursing's responsibilities in this evolving paradigm, and highlights the impact of tailored interventions on patient outcomes. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, analyzing peer-reviewed articles, case studies, and clinical guidelines from 2000 to 2023. Key databases such as Pub Med, Scopus, and Web of Science were utilized. Thematic synthesis was employed to identify the intersections between laboratory testing, personalized medicine, and nursing practices. Additionally, case studies were reviewed to illustrate real-world applications of nursing roles in personalized care. Results: Advances in laboratory testing, including genomic and proteomic profiling, have significantly enhanced the development of personalized medicine. Biomarker-based diagnostics and pharmacogenomic testing enable precise treatment strategies, reducing adverse drug reactions and improving therapeutic efficacy. Nurses play a critical role in translating laboratory findings into actionable care plans, educating patients on tailored treatments, and monitoring adherence and outcomes. Case studies demonstrate that nursing interventions improve patient satisfaction, treatment adherence, and overall health outcomes in personalized care models. Conclusion: The integration of laboratory testing and personalized medicine is reshaping patient care, with nursing professionals playing a vital role in bridging the gap between technological advances and patient-centered care. By leveraging their expertise in communication, education, and care coordination, nurses ensure the effective implementation of tailored interventions. To fully realize the potential of personalized medicine, interdisciplinary collaboration, policy support, and enhanced nursing education are essential. This paper underscores the critical need to empower nursing professionals through training and resources to meet the demands of personalized care.

Keywords: Personalized medicine, laboratory testing, nursing interventions, tailored patient care, genomic medicine, biomarkers.