Abstract
(1) Background: Genomics and pharmacogenomics are relatively new fields in medicine in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Understanding the knowledge, attitudes and current practices among pharmacists is an important pillar to establish the roadmap for implementing genomic medicine and pharmacogenomics; (2) Methods: A qualitative method was used, with focus group discussions (FGDs) being conducted among pharmacists working in public and private hospitals in Abu Dhabi Emirate. Snowball sampling was used. Thematic inductive analysis was performed by two researchers independently. NVIVO software was used to establish the themes; (3) Results: Lack of knowledge of genomics and pharmacogenomics among pharmacists was one of the most prominent findings. Therefore, the role of pharmacist in making the right decisions was highlighted to be a barrier for pharmacogenomics implementation in the UAE. Pharmacists have a positive attitude toward pharmacogenomics, but they are preoccupied with concern of confidentiality. In addition, religion and culture shadowed their attitudes toward genetic testing; (4) Conclusions: It is highly recommended to introduce new courses and training workshops for healthcare providers to improve the opportunities for genomics and pharmacogenomics application in the UAE. Pharmacists agreed that the health authorities should take the lead for improving trust and confidence in the system for a better future in the era of genomics and pharmacogenomics.
Highlights
Pharmacogenomics is defined as the study of the interaction between a drug and any gene, or multiple sites throughout the genome
We believe that our findings can be set as the starting point for establishing the roadmap for the implementation of genomic medicine and pharmacogenomics among pharmacists, as they address a plethora of factors related to pharmacists, including individual factors and ecological factors
It is highly recommended to introduce new courses and training workshops or even accredited certifications for pharmacists to improve the chances of genomics and pharmacogenomics application in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as knowledge is an essential and dynamic pillar for the implementation of genomic medicine and pharmacogenomics
Summary
Pharmacogenomics is defined as the study of the interaction between a drug and any gene, or multiple sites throughout the genome. Pharmacists’ role in precision and personalized medicine and in pharmacogenomics is highly important. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), there are no studies that have explored pharmacist’s role, knowledge and attitudes toward genomics and pharmacogenomics. Updated medical curricula and pharmacology curricula around the world are nowadays incorporating certain areas that address the science of precision medicine, genomics, genetic testing, and pharmacogenomics [10]. It is not clear if this is happening at the moment in the UAE. The findings could possibly extrapolate to other healthcare workers in the UAE
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