Perceptions and Attitudes of Pharmacogenomics Through the Lens of Community Pharmacists and Patients

Abstract

Background Pharmacists represent some of the most accessible healthcare workers and are in an opportune position to spearhead new clinical initiatives, such as pharmacogenomics (PGx) services. It is important that we understand the perceptions and attitudes both pharmacists and patients have regarding PGx and potential barriers of implementing it into routine clinical practice. Methods A cross-sectional survey study was conducted across one regional division of a large community pharmacy chain to assess the perceptions and attitudes of pharmacists and patients regarding PGx in California. A secondary aim was to determine perceived barriers to PGx implementation into community pharmacies. Results The majority (67%) of pharmacists agreed or strongly agreed to understanding PGx compared to 35% of patients being aware of PGx (p<0.001). More patients (62%) preferred their pharmacist compared to pharmacists (43%) preferring themselves as a provider to manage patients' medications based on their PGx results (p<0.01). Many patients (88%) expressed interest in participating in a PGx test; both pharmacists (84%) and patients (85%) were unlikely to have participated or know someone who has participated in PGx testing. Pharmacists and patients expressed similar concerns about privacy of their PGx data by employers (p=0.287) and insurers (p=0.953), a potential barrier to PGx implementation. Conclusion Pharmacists are well positioned to spearhead PGx consultations and patients are interested in pharmacists using PGx to help manage their medications; however, various barriers were identified that must be overcome for PGx to become incorporated in routine practice.

Community pharmacists’ perceived value on precision medicine, desired training components, and exposure during pharmacy education: Malaysia’s experience

“…The study revealed that there is much room for improvement on the levels of knowledge, and is possibly an indicator that precision medicine in low and middle income countries are very much at its infancy ( Haque et al, 2020 ). Similar to the findings of this study, where pharmacists had good perceptions and were willing to pursue precision medicine (albeit in moderation), past research inferred that the idea of precision medicine, as well as pharmacogenomics, had been well received among primary care providers including general practitioners and pharmacists ( Luke et al, 2021 ; Surofchy et al, 2021 ; Gammal et al, 2022 ). In general though, the endorsement of pharmacogenomics at that time was discouraging, but the prospect of adopting it in the future, garnered much attention ( Wicclair, 2011 ; Bannur et al, 2014 ).…”