Use of Assessment Tools: Genogram

The genogram is a valuable assessment tool. A genogram is a pictorial representation of a person’s family tree. It is a format for drawing a family tree that records information about family members and their relationship over at least three generations. Diagrammatically, the genogram is an intergenerational map of three or more generations of a family and a primary assessment tool that focuses on intergenerational patterns and relationships among family members. It has been widely promoted as a useful tool for gathering, recording and displaying family information in order to practice family centred care.