'I think we just do it once and leave it …' The collection and utility of family health history in general practice in Aotearoa New Zealand: a qualitative study

This study aimed to explore current practices in relation to the ascertainment of family health history, with a view towards precision medicine. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 GPs recruited from one urban area of NZ. The interviews were subjected to a thematic analysis. Results Family health history information was used to varying degrees in four areas - risk ascertainment, patient engagement with a diagnosis, social context and building relationships. Patient cultural considerations were rarely mentioned. Reliability of information provided by patients, resource constraints, context driven consults and electronic health record limitations are potential indicators of current limits of family health history. Discussion Our findings present a baseline of current practice and echo larger studies from overseas. As precision medicine is not yet routine, a unique opportunity exists for consideration to be given to establishing specific roles within the NZ health system to enable equitable practice of, and subsequent health gains from, the use of family/whānau health history information as part of precision medicine.PMID:38546766 | DOI:10.1071/HC23055
Source: Journal of Primary Health Care - Category: Primary Care Authors: Source Type: research