1. Interview an individual to obtain information for this genogram assignment.
2. Use no names or initials of people in the construction of the genogram. Let your
interviewee know they are welcome to make up the answers or omit something, if it feels
too private. Of course, we have do not have this latitude with real patients but you will
learn just as much from the assignment, even if it is not the whole truth and you will
preserve the privacy of your friend or family member.
3. Document three generations in chronological order . You do not include the in-laws of
siblings or the in-laws of aunts/uncles in the construction of the genogram– this is not so
much about a family tree as it is about inheritable diseases. You do not inherit from in-laws.
Therefore, while you would, for example, include a spouse of the patient (subject person) in
the genogram, you would not include the spouses of the patient’s siblings. You do include
the spouse of the patient not because they can inherit diseases from them but because it is
so relevant to family structure, particularly if there are children.
4. Include a key using medically approved abbreviations. Medical abbreviations must be in
alphabetical order in the key.
5. Significant medical history must be documented
6. Subject person needs to be identified; family members are identified by a symbol
representing male or female.
7. Age must be noted (if living) or the age of death (if deceased); cause of death identified by an
asterisk (*).
8. Ages need to be documented in either ascending or descending order
9. Final genogram is documented via a computer program or hand drawn. (Must be neat, no crayon drawing on a random piece of paper.)
10. Points will be deducted for disorganization.
12. Review your genogram and write a one to two-page summary in APA format identifying your subject with conclusions and
health promotion recommendations about the health trends that you see within the family
constellation. The summary must clearly state the subject, medical history, and health promotion recommendations.
10 Free Online Genogram Makers
- GitMind (Web)
- Edraw Max (Windows, Mac, Linux and Web)
- Visual Paradigm Online (Web)
- GenoPro (Windows, Mac and Linux)
- Creately (Web)
- MyDraw (Windows and Mac)
- FamilyEcho (Web)
- ProgenyGenetics (Web)
- WinGeno (Windows, Mac and Linux)
- Canva (Web)