Use multi-generational family history information to draw a pedigree

4. Use multi­generational family history information to draw a pedigreeAbout this workforce competenceThis workforce competence is about drawing an accurate pedigree from multi‐generational family historyinformation.The pedigree will form part of the individual’s clinical record.This is a competence which may be generally applicable to healthcare staff in a wide variety of roles.Performance criteriaYou need to:1) make sure sufficient and appropriate multi‐generational family history is available so that you candraw the pedigree in as much detail as required2) if the need arises, clarify family history details with the individual who gave the information or others,ensuring that appropriate consent has been obtained3) use the standard convention for laying out a pedigree4) use appropriate symbols and notations for drawing:a. the relationship of individuals to the person seeking informationb. genderc. alive or deceasedd. their disease status5) provide a key for each of the different symbols6) add personal information as appropriate (e.g. names, dates of birth, medical information)7) make sure the drawing is legible8) write your name legibly, sign and date pedigree9) maintain the chain of confidentiality of records when using or passing on the pedigreeKnowledge and understandingYou need to apply:PedigreesK1. a working knowledge of how to translate family history information into a pedigreeK2. a working knowledge of internationally recognised pedigree symbols and their relationship toeach otherK3. a working knowledge of the standard convention of laying out a pedigreeK4. a working knowledge of the role of the pedigree as a means of representing multi‐generationalfamily history informationK5. a working knowledge of best practice guidelines relevant to pedigreesRecords and DocumentationK6. a working knowledge of record keeping practices and procedures in relation to drawing apedigreeK7. a working knowledge of consent and confidentiality in relation to an individual’s clinical recordsRevised 26/10/2007Supporting Genetics Education for Healthhttp://www.geneticseducation.nhs.uk

LinksThis workforce competence has indicative links with the following dimensions and levels within the NHSKnowledge and Skills Framework (October 2004).Dimension: HWB2 Assessment and care planning to meet health and well‐being needsLevel: 4Dimension: IK2 Information collection and analysisLevel: 2Searchable key wordsGenes, genetic, family history, medical history, pedigree, chromosomes, family tree.OriginThis workforce competence has been developed by Skills for Health with the NHS National Genetics Educationand Development Centre October 2006.GlossaryThis section provides explanations and definitions of the terms used in this workforce competence. Incompetences, it is quite common to find words or phrases used which you will be familiar with, but which, inthe detail of the competence, may be used in a very particular way.Multi‐generational Family historyIndividualsPedigreeEncompasses three generations of family history, however,where there are existing indications of a particular geneticcondition this may be targeted more specifically.Any adult, child or baby ‐ alive or deceased. In the contextof this competence pregnancies and pregnancy losseswould also be relevant.A graphical representation of genetic relationships andmedical conditions in a family.SymbolsBest practice recommends that the symbols drawn arethose recognised by the Pedigree Standardisation TaskForce, however, your organisation may utilise othersymbols or methodologies.ScopeThis section provides guidance on possible areas to be covered in this workforce competence.DrawingMay include using:a) free‐handb) stencil templatec) pre‐printed materialsd) computer softwareRevised 26/10/2007Supporting Genetics Education for Healthhttp://www.geneticseducation.nhs.uk