"Collecting family histories is one useful way of determining possible genetic issues. I have found that my family members are very willing to talk about health issues in a constructive way. Recurring medical issues can be identified; both genetic and environmental factors may be considered." (Graham's Story from 'Telling Stories - Understanding Real Life Genetics')
The importance of family history to patient care
Health professional Ann tells Telling Stories that a family history may make or break the diagnosis or inheritance pattern for that family, Helen says that her family were aware of a family history of relatives dying suddenly without any apparent cause.
Taking and Drawing a Family History This series of factsheets explain what a family history is, how it can be important to patient care, how information can be collected in a systematic way and how this can be recorded in a pedigree.
Animations to support the 'Taking and Drawing a Family History Series' This animation is the first of a series to support the 'Taking and Drawing a Family History Series' factsheets. It can be easily incorporated into teaching and learning packages.
'Taking and Drawing a Family History' - a package of slides for educators This package contains slides on 'Taking a Family History' for use by educators. More slides will be added over the next few weeks.
The 'Medical Family History Drawing Tool' The 'Medical Family History Drawing Tool' provides step-by-step instructions on how to draw a pedigree. To request the Family History Tool, please contact enquiries@geneticseducation.nhs.uk
'Practice in Drawing Pedigrees Series' This series of worksheets can be used by learners to practice drawing pedigrees using family history information. They can also be used by educators with their students in a classroom setting.
'Taking a Family History' Video This Cystic Fibrosis video scenario features a GP collecting family history information and using the information to draw a pedigree. Video scenario download.
'Understanding Modes of Inheritance' - a package of slides for educators A number of teaching packages for educators will shortly be available containing slides showing the segregation of alleles, transmission patterns through families and case histories. Sample packages containing clinical images can be seen below:
'Interpreting a Family History Series' This series of worksheets can be used by learners to practice interpreting pedigrees to identify modes of inheritance. They can also be used by educators with their students in a classroom setting. Sample sheets can be seen below:
Last updated: 13 October 2011
