Modernized Culturally Sensitive Family Medical History Tool

Project Summary/Abstract Rush River Research Corp. proposes to develop a culturally tailored modernized family medical history tool to reduce health disparities among African Americans. The death rate for African Americans is generally higher than whites for heart diseases, stroke, cancer, and diabetes all of which have increased risk with family history. In many cases having a single first-degree relative with one of these diseases indicates at least double the risk to the individual. The risk typically doubles again with multiple family members having one of these diseases and in some cases up to ten to twenty times. Knowing the risk is important as there are many risk mitigation actions available for these diseases including lifestyle change, screening guidelines, genetic counseling, genetic risk testing, and other screening methods. Family health history is a validated important standard of care however it is underutilized. Research has also shown that African American families have less knowledge of their family health history due to family structure and communication patterns. Rush River Research has assembled a multi-disciplinary team of community health researchers, medical software developers, and a commercialization partner to achieve the goals of this project. An advisory committee of African American physicians and community leaders will also be assembled to advise on design decisions. A focus group will be utilized to determine feasibility and drive future design.