on Facebook
on Twitter
on YouTube
Genetics and Health
We have recognized a genetic component to health for many years. Nevertheless, the recent explosion in our understanding of human genetics, facilitated by the sequencing of the entire human genome, has the potential to revolutionize individual and public health, improving the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. Improvements will likely come from translating advances in basic and clinical science into effective care for common chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer, and hereditary diseases such as cystic fibrosis. RAND Health is expanding its research focus to include studies of genetics and health. Our current studies are highlighted below.
Family History
Role of Family History in CAD Risk Assessment
A study that uses data from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute-funded Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis to evaluate the incremental value of family history in global risk assessment strategies for cardiovascular disease. Contact: Maren T. Scheuner, MD, MPH (Maren_Scheuner@rand.org)
Assessing the Familial Risk of Cancer
A study that is using data from the 2005 California Health Interview Survey to describe the prevalence of weak, moderate, and strong familial risk for five common cancers stratified by demographic characteristics, and to assess the strength of association of increased familial risk for each type of cancer. The results could influence cancer risk assessment strategies and screening recommendations. Contact: Maren T. Scheuner, MD, MPH (Maren_Scheuner@rand.org)
A Systematic Review of Community-Based Family Health History Projects
A project that will inform the National Human Genome Research Institute and public health communities about existing community-based family history tools and materials. Evaluation to assist in the effort to move the field of family history forward and to inform funding agencies of the knowledge gaps relating to the effectiveness of family history tools. Contact: Maren T. Scheuner, MD, MPH (Maren_Scheuner@rand.org)
Genetic Testing
Reporting Genetic Test Results for Heritable Conditions
A project to improve the quality of communication between molecular genetic laboratories and clinicians, aimed at enabling clinicians to understand and assess molecular genetic laboratory findings for predictive, diagnostic, and therapeutic decisions. Contact: Maren T. Scheuner, MD, MPH (Maren_Scheuner@rand.org)
Delivery Pathways for Genetic Testing Interventions for Common Diseases
A project that will develop a conceptual model for the delivery of genetic tests for common, chronic conditions that will consider the spectrum of test purposes and indications, factors relating to utilization of these tests, and implementation pathways for delivery of these services. Contact: Maren T. Scheuner, MD, MPH (Maren_Scheuner@rand.org)
Highlights of Recent Studies
Delivery of Genomic Medicine for Common Chronic Adult Diseases
A systematic review of the literature to assess the readiness of the U.S. health care system to incorporate and understand genomic medicine and the likely influence of genomics on chronic disease management in the near future.
Working with Congress
RAND’s Office of Congressional Relations (OCR) furthers RAND’s mission to provide objective analysis and effective solutions by disseminating research results to Congress and federal agencies. OCR publishes a monthly electronic newsletter featuring current work on health policy. The RAND Health Congressional Newsletter is found at www.rand.org/congress/newsletters.html. Contact: Shirley Ruhe (Shirley_Ruhe@rand.org).
The RAND Health Congressional Newsletter
Top