Using theory to guide the diffusion of genetics content in nursing curricula

Completion of sequencing the human genome will lead to identifying the genetic basis for health and disease and affect diagnosis and treatment in virtually every aspect of medicine and nursing. In this paper we describe the process of incorporating genetic content into the undergraduate and graduate curricula. Rogersʹ innovation-diffusion theory was used to guide organizational change. Faculty development was foundational to incorporating innovative content in nursing courses. Creation of an elective nursing course on genetics was a practical initial strategy that allowed for evaluation of the course content and studentsʹ responses to the new course. Ongoing faculty development is planned in order to sustain the impetus of increasing faculty competence in this area of health care. The long-term goal is to have every lecture that addresses specific health conditions to include the genetic basis for the condition.