Physicians’ Knowledge, Attitude, and Experience of Pharmacogenomic Testing in China

Abstract

(1) Background: As prescribers, physicians play a decisive role in applying and promoting pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing in clinical practices. So far, little is known about physicians’ perspectives on PGx testing in China. The aim of this study was to assess physicians’ knowledge of, attitude towards, and experience of PGx testing in China. (2) Methods: A 39-question online survey was developed. Participants were physicians recruited through two platforms, MEDLINKER and “Dazhuanjia”. (3) Results: A total of 450 respondents completed the survey and 366 questionnaires were eligible for analysis based on the inclusion criteria. Among all included physicians, 275 (75.1%) had heard of PGx testing before. More than half rated their knowledge of PGx testing as “Fair” (61.5%) while 20.0% chose “Excellent” or “Good” and 18.6% chose “Poor” or “Terrible”. “Guidelines, consensus, and treatment paths for disease diagnosis and treatment” (72.7%) were the most preferred sources of information about PGx testing. Respondents were confident in their personal capacity to conduct PGx, with an average score of 3.30 ± 0.09 (out of 5.00). Most respondents (75.6%) believed that PGx could “help to improve efficacy and reduce the incidence of adverse reactions”. Targeted cancer therapy (score 78.95 ± 1.26 out of 100) was considered the field where PGx testing had its highest value. Lack of professionals and knowledge (n = 186, 67.6%), high costs of testing (n = 170, 61.8%), and lack of hospitals to offer PGx testing (n = 166, 60.4%) were identified as the primary obstacles to increasing the uptake of PGx testing in China. Academic conference (n = 213, 72.4%) was considered the most efficient way for physicians to obtain information about PGx testing. (4) Conclusions: Physicians in China have poor knowledge about PGx testing; nonetheless, they generally had confidence in their capacity to order PGx testing and positive attitudes towards the use of PGx testing in routine clinical practices. Future efforts to promote the uptake of PGx testing should focus on foundational education and practical training.

Assessing pharmacogenomic literacy in China through validation of the Chinese version of the Minnesota Assessment of Pharmacogenomic Literacy

“…Recent studies have consistently highlighted that healthcare workers across various disciplines in China perceive and demonstrate their knowledge of PGx to be inadequate. 17,23 These findings are in line with our study results, confirming the consistency of self-assessed and actual knowledge gaps of PGx testing among Chinese health professionals. Therefore, significant efforts should be made to enhance PGx knowledge and competency among Chinese health professionals through ongoing education, training, and professional development programs.…”

“…25 Research assessing knowledge of PGx is emerging worldwide, including in countries like China, using diverse methodologies ranging from self-report assessments to customized instruments. 17,23,[26][27][28] However, these efforts have predominantly focused on evaluating the readiness of health professionals to offer PGx services, rather than assessing the understanding of PGx among patients or test recipients. Shared decision making and counseling about medical tests and treatments are essential components of clinical care and personalizing treatment.…”

“…This will ensure that health professionals are equipped with the necessary skills and understanding to effectively integrate PGx into routine clinical practice. 23…”

“…18,19,22 Healthcare professionals in China have increasingly demonstrated a positive attitude toward the clinical application of PGx. 17,23 Unfortunately, despite…”

“…The extent of clinical implementation, however, varies significantly based on the types of institution and geographic locations, with tertiary hospitals in municipalities and provincial capitals exhibiting higher programmatic utilization of PGx 18,19,22 . Healthcare professionals in China have increasingly demonstrated a positive attitude toward the clinical application of PGx 17,23 . Unfortunately, despite the enthusiasm and potential surrounding PGx, several barriers to its widespread adoption in China still require attention.…”