Toward Interprofessional Education of Pharmacogenomics: An Interdisciplinary Assessment

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Pharmacogenomics, which emerged from disciplines such as pharmacology and genetics, is an increasingly important interdisciplinary field of health research, as indicated by the rapid growth of related literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge among genetics and pharmacology health-care students and to evaluate their exposure to and perceptions of pharmacogenomics. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> An anonymous, 28-item online survey was distributed to medical and pharmacy students enrolled at Yarmouk University, Jordan. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The respondents (<i>n</i> = 300) had an overall moderate level of knowledge regarding genetics and pharmacology. Most respondents recognized the benefits of pharmacogenomics for therapy optimization, but they had insufficient exposure to the topic. Most respondents supported providing pharmacogenetic testing in Jordan. The most preferred educational format in pharmacogenomics was integration in pharmacology courses. <b><i>Discussion/Conclusion:</i></b> Medical and pharmacy students are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of pharmacogenomics in therapy optimization. Challenges such as the complexity of the topic and low retention of previous knowledge should be addressed to promote pharmacogenomics education. More work is needed to increase students’ exposure to pharmacogenomics information. A deeper integration of pharmacogenomics applications into pharmacology courses is proposed to emphasize applications of pharmacogenomics.

Knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward pharmacogenomics among pharmacists and pharmacy students: A systematic review

“…Looking to the future of integration of PGx in pharmacy practice and how to best prepare current and future pharmacists, 27 articles assessed participants' desire for further PGx education 31,37–40,42–44,46,47,55–59,63,64,66,69,71,73,74,77,80,82,84 . They found most participants were interested in PGx education, while some reported more than 90% of respondents desired further PGx education 42,44,58,59,63,64,84 .…”

“…This was often described as the proportion of participants who felt they could identify medications that require PGx testing, recommend the appropriate PGx test and interpret and apply the test results to a therapeutic plan. Only five studies out of 16 studies investigated the confidence level of pharmacy students in utilizing PGx testing, which is understandable as they are yet to get clinical experience, and there was a consensus of low or weak confidence among pharmacy students in using PGx testing 70,75,80,82,84 . In one study in Thailand, more than 30% of the pharmacists felt that national PGx guidelines would increase their confidence in clinical implementation 52 .…”

“…In comparison, most studies with pharmacy students found a good or fair level of knowledge among most participants. 69 , 73 , 74 , 76 , 77 , 78 , 79 , 80 , 81 Some studies only reported self‐assessed (subjective) knowledge of PGx, which was generally reported as “low.” However, self‐assessed knowledge did not always correlate with actual expertise in studies that assessed both. 37 While many studies did not report data on “biological sex,” one study noted a difference in the knowledge level of pharmacy students between males and females.…”

“…Only five studies out of 16 studies investigated the confidence level of pharmacy students in utilizing PGx testing, which is understandable as they are yet to get clinical experience, and there was a consensus of low or weak confidence among pharmacy students in using PGx testing. 70 , 75 , 80 , 82 , 84 In one study in Thailand, more than 30% of the pharmacists felt that national PGx guidelines would increase their confidence in clinical implementation. 52 It is worth noting that some PGx testing has been adopted (e.g., human leukocyte antigens testing) at the national level via genetic ID card systems in Thailand 86 and via electronic drug prescribing and dispensing systems in the Netherlands.…”

“…In comparison, most studies with pharmacy students found a good or fair level of knowledge among most participants. 69,73,74,[76][77][78][79][80][81] Some studies only reported self-assessed (subjective) knowledge of PGx, which was generally reported as "low." However, self-assessed knowledge did not always correlate with actual expertise in studies that assessed both.…”