Name of the Tool: My Family Health Portrait

URL of the Tool: https://familyhistory.hhs.gov

Primary category of the tool: Creativity and Presentation Tool

Description of the tool: My Family Health Portrait is a web-based tool from the surgeon general that allows consumers to create an electronic record of their family medical history. Once information is entered into the database, it is assembled and organized into a diagram or pedigree. The record can be saved and updated over time. Individuals can choose to keep the data private or electronically (or physically) share the information with their family members and/or their health care providers. Once family members have access to the record, they can edit and personalize it to make themselves the center of the family tree. The tool can be embedded into an electronic medical record, and organizations can adopt and customize it for their own use. The tool is also available in Spanish.

Skills needed before using the tool: Ability to understand and follow directions

Resources needed before using the tool: Access to Internet and family history

Basic steps to use the tool:

· Go to https://familyhistory.hhs.gov

· Click on Create a Family Health History

· Input information and medical history about self and family members

Example using the tool:

Scenario of use of tool in the teaching environment: I would have my adolescent patients create their own family history with the assistance of their parents to prepare them for the transition to independence as a medical consumer. The record would not only be incredibly helpful to me as their healthcare provider but also equip patients with the knowledge they need to make appropriate health care decisions. For instance, I can counsel my patient about the need to adhere to healthy eating habits. My words would be so much more powerful if the patient is aware of the extensive history of obesity and type II diabetes in his family after creating a family medical tree.

Advantages of using this tool in a teaching environment: This tool provides a good visual representation of family medical history that would be easier for the adolescent patient to grasp and understand.

Disadvantages of using this tool in a teaching environment: I do not think this tool has any disadvantages.