Dr Jim Bonham Department of Clinical Chemistry Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust
The use of family history and genetic information should be viewed as an integral part of dietetic practice. In the broad sense, family history involves social, environmental, behavioural, emotional and medical factors, as well as the genetic characteristics of patients and their families. Having a discussion about family history may help to integrate knowledge about all of these factors.
An awareness of the role of genes and family history in disease should improve the dietitian's understanding of a patient and their condition. Genes affect the biology and psychology of patients, and may affect why a dietary intervention may work for one individual but not for another.
The Centre is working with dietitians and educators to identify the genetics education needs of those in pre-registration training and of dietitians in practice. Together we are developing teaching and learning resources relating to the use of genetic and family history information in the care of patients with common, multifactorial conditions, as well as genetic conditions such as inherited metabolic disorders.
Last updated: 20 October 2011
