Use of a patient-entered family health history tool with decision support in primary care: impact of identification of increased risk patients on genetic counseling attendance.

Several barriers inhibit collection and use of detailed family health history (FHH) in primary care. MeTree, a computer-based FHH intake and risk assessment tool with clinical decision support, was developed to overcome these barriers. Here, we describe the impact of MeTree on genetic counseling (GC) referrals and attendance.

Development and validation of a primary care-based family health history and decision support program (MeTree).

Introduction: Family health history is a strong predictor of disease risk. To reduce the morbidity and mortality of many chronic diseases, risk-stratified evidence-based guidelines strongly encourage the collection and synthesis of family health history to guide selection of primary prevention strategies. However, the collection and synthesis of such information is not well integrated into clinical practice.

Collection of family health history for assessment of chronic disease risk in primary care.

Background: Family health history can predict a patient's risk for common complex diseases. This project assessed the completeness of family health history data in medical charts and evaluated the utility of these data for performing risk assessments in primary care.

Methods: Family health history data were collected and analyzed to determine the presence of quality indicators that are necessary for effective and accurate assessment of disease risk.

The use of a family history risk assessment tool within a community health care system: views of primary care providers.

Primary care providers (PCPs) offered input regarding the incorporation of a family health history (FHH) risk assessment tool into a community health care system (CHCS). Sixteen PCPs participated in one of three focus groups. Perceived impediments included the lack of standard screening guidelines, effective screening tests, genetic counseling resources, and services for high-risk patients.

Educational needs of primary care physicians regarding direct-to-consumer genetic testing.

To assess the educational needs of North Carolina primary care physicians (PCPs) about direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing, surveys were mailed to 2,402 family and internal medicine providers in North Carolina. Out of 382 respondents, 323 (85%) felt unprepared to answer patient questions and 282 (74%) reported wanting to learn about DTC genetic testing. A total of 148 (39%) were aware of DTC genetic testing.

Primary care physicians' awareness, experience and opinions of direct-to-consumer genetic testing.

The purpose of this study was to assess primary care physicians' awareness, experience, opinions and preparedness to answer patients' questions regarding direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing. An anonymous survey was mailed to 2,402 family and internal medicine providers in North Carolina. Of the 382 respondents, 38.

Findings from a community education needs assessment to facilitate the integration of genomic medicine into primary care.

Purpose: To assess the lay public's knowledge of, and beliefs about, genetics and genetic testing to create an educational initiative that promotes acceptance and utilization of genomic medicine in primary health care.

Methods: A telephone survey of English-speaking adults in Guilford County, North Carolina was conducted in 2006 to identify community members' educational needs regarding genetics and genetic testing.

Results: Most respondents recognized the connection between family history and disease risk.

Assessment of allied health graduates' preparation to integrate genetic knowledge and skills into clinical practice.

Allied health professionals are in a unique position to address the concerns of and provide information to clients with genetic disorders. This study assessed the preparation of recent graduates of allied health training programs to provide these services by determining their (1) professional practices, (2) confidence in performing skills that require genetic knowledge, (3) extent of genetic training, and (4) interest in genetic topics. A survey was sent to 698 alumni of six allied health training programs who graduated between 1997 and spring 2002 from a midwestern university.

A success of a genetics educational intervention for nursing and dietetic students: A model for incorporating genetics into nursing and allied health curricula.

Allied health care professionals and nurses provide genetic-related client services, such as eliciting family medical history information and discussing the genetic component of health conditions. However, these professionals report a lack of confidence in their ability to perform genetic services and have little formal education in genetics. A barrier to incorporating genetics into allied health curricula includes the limited flexibility to expand curricula.

Long-term survival in a patient with del(18)(q12.2q21.1).

The 18q- syndrome is relatively common among cytogenetic abnormalities occurring in approximately 1 in 40,000 live births. However, interstitial deletions involving 18q12.2 to q21.