Genetics and gerontological nursing: a need to stimulate research

The purpose of this chapter is to discuss how genetics will affect gerontological nursing. The chapter will answer two questions: (1) Which aspects of genetics will be most relevant to future gerontological nursing practice? and (2) What will be the impact of genetics on the future of gerontological nursing education and research? MEDLINE was searched for relevant articles from 1995 to 2001 using the key words aging, genetics, geriatrics, nursing education, research, and gerontology. CRISP was searched using the thesaurus terms education/planning, genetics, health education, model design/development, psychological model, pubic health curriculum, behavioral/social science research, and research nursing/genetics. A total of 101 nursing and nonnursing articles were reviewed. Research reports were selected if they focused on issues related to gerontological nursing. Articles were reviewed that had application to genetic nursing, complex diseases, and genetics. The evolution of the science of genetics will revolutionize gerontological nursing and affect future nursing education and research as the concepts of genetic science and the technology they generate are translated into everyday clinical practice. Genetic discoveries in common complex diseases will affect care provided by gerontological nurses in the 21st century. Gerontological nurses must move quickly to recognize this genetic paradigm shift and to incorporate genetics issues into their nursing practice.