Increased family history documentation in internal medicine resident continuity clinic at a community hospital through resident-led structured genetic education program

Abstract

We aim to assess residents' perspectives and clinical utility of obtaining family history (FH) as well as to improve the rate of FH documentation in electronic medical record (EMR) at an internal medicine resident continuity clinic at a community hospital. The residents' perspectives were assessed with questionnaires. The study period was divided into the first 10-week Phase 1 in which genetic education interventions were delivered by residents, and the second 10-week Phase 2 with minimal intervention. FH documentation in EMR was reviewed and compared to a 4-week baseline (Phase 0). We found that time constraint was the most reported barrier. We reviewed 1197 patient visits; FH was recorded in 34% (67/200), 52% (272/522), and 50% (239/475) during Phase 0, Phase1, and Phase 2, respectively. Genetic education significantly increased the rate of FH documentation in Phase 1 from baseline, which was maintained in Phase 2 despite removal of interventions. The mean age of patients with documented FH was younger than those without documentation (48 years vs 51 years; p < 0.001). Documented FH of cancers and coronary artery disease lacked important details, such as age at diagnosis, in 62% (86/138) and 51% (41/81) of them, respectively. Out of 511 patients that had documented FH, we identified 66 patients (13%) where positive family history could alter medical management. In conclusion, resident-led structured genetic education effectively increased family history documentation in EMR in internal medicine resident continuity clinic and showed clinical utility.

Keywords: Electronic health record; Family history; Internal medicine residency; Medical genetics; Pedigree; Qualitative study; Quality improvement.