Plat AW, Kroon AA, Van Schayck CP, De Leeuw PW, Stoffers HEJH. Obtaining the family history for common, multifactorial diseases by family physicians. A descriptive systematic review.
Eur J Gen Pract 2010;
15:231-42. [PMID:
20055722 DOI:
10.3109/13814780903447572]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To summarize the knowledge on the use of comprehensive family history taking for common, multifactorial diseases in primary health care.
DESIGN AND DATA SOURCES
Systematic review of MEDLINE (1966-2008), EMBASE (1986-2008) and Cochrane Library.
METHODS
Search terms reflected 'primary care', 'family history' and 'genetics'. Included were original studies, published in the English language, from a primary care setting, investigating family history taking for multifactorial disorders. Methodological criteria (design, size, response rate) were not used to exclude papers. Out of 116 potentially eligible papers, 27 papers were selected: nine studies on opinions, eight studies on actual practice, seven studies on family history tools, and three studies on the patient perspective. Two authors independently extracted the data, and consequently discussed and summarized them. Given the heterogeneity of the studies, outcomes were presented in a qualitative way.
RESULTS
Among family physicians, the general opinion was that taking a family history is the task of the primary care physician. However, observational studies of consultations and analyses of medical records showed wide variability and low regular updating. There are no family history tools yet, that are sufficiently feasible and reproducible. Patients and doctors may perceive a positive family history differently, which may cause miscommunication.
CONCLUSION
There is a need for research into feasible and high quality tools for detailed family history taking for multifactorial disorders.
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