Updated tool available to document family health history

AORN Journal, Jan, 2006

An updated version of a computerized tool can help families gather their health information, according to a Nov 15, 2005, news release from the US Department of Health and Human Services. This free, web-based toot creates a graphic printout that organizes the user's family health information into a diagram or chart that can be given to a health care professional, allowing for a more individualized diagnosis, treatment, and prevention plan.

Many diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, can run in families, and a detailed family history can help health care professionals determine which disorders a person may be at increased risk for developing. The tool is intended to make the process of gathering enough family information to make useful health predictions easier and more efficient for both patients and health care professionals.

Users are guided through a series of screens that help them compile information about six common diseases for each of their family members. Users also can enter information about other conditions that are of particular interest to the family but are not on the List. The tool is available online at http://www.hhs.gov/familyhistory.> US Surgeon General Urges Americans to Know Their Family Health History (news release, Washington, DC: US Department of Health and Human Services, Nov 15, 2005) https://vocuspr.vocus.com/VocusPR30/ASPProxy.asp ?ProgID=vcsPRNetUI30.CASPIMail&Data=HHL==13 885->LCE27!0HL=8+62&RE=MC&RI=3340 004&Preview=False (accessed 15 Nov 2005).