Integration of biomarkers to advance precision nursing interventions for family research across the life span

Abstract

Background: Integrating biomarker measurement into research protocols provides an opportunity for nursing scientists to identify underlying biological mechanisms that contribute to adverse health outcomes and to tailor and test precision nursing interventions.

Purpose: To describe how a better understanding of underlying mechanisms and a better ability to tailor and test interventions are particularly important for improving the health of family caregivers as this population frequently experiences prolonged stress that carries negative health consequences for both caregiver and care recipient.

Methods: This article provides an overview of family caregiving and the potential benefit of incorporating biomarkers into stress-related research studies, using a an exemplar the consequences of chronic stress experienced by humanity's first family caregivers; pregnant and postpartum women.

Discussion: Through this exemplar, details of how the integration of biomarkers supports precision nursing interventions to improve health across the life span are described.

Keywords: Chronic stress; Cytokine–glucocorticoid feedback circuit; Family caregiving; Precision nursing.