Managing Patient Health in the Genomic Era: Family Health History and Adult Disease Risk

In Managing Health in the Genomic Era: A Guide to Family Health History and Disease Risk, Drs. Vincent C. Henrich, Lori A. Orlando, and Brian H. Shirts discuss the practical considerations surrounding the use of genomic and genetic tests to manage patient health, to provide adult disease risk assessment, to improve diagnosis, and to support effective interventions and treatment. In 10 chapters, evidence-based information and case studies are described and examine the central place of family health history (FHH) in genomic medicine, tools and strategies for compiling and analyzing family health history, how to identify existing and novel genetic markers, how to identify lineage specific (or rare) variants within families, and how to find effective interventions based on genetic testing results and FHH. Factors that influence clinical practice, including gene-environment interactions, FHH social networking, direct to consumer (DTC) genetic testing and data sharing, algorithms for analyzing genetic data, and patient counseling are discussed from the standpoint of clinical practice.

Here, frontline healthcare providers will discover succinct commentary and key examples to assist with their local needs. Relevant principles of genetic biology and inheritance are explored and guidance on available support networks and online resources is also provided.