Pharmacogenomics in advanced pharmacy practice experiences

Abstract

Pharmacogenomics (PG) knowledge and the ability to apply PG are expanding. The goals of this study were: (1) to identify practice/practitioner characteristics associated with PG use, (2) to identify current levels/types of PG knowledge used at advanced pharmacy practice experience sites, (3) determine whether preceptors considered their own PG knowledge levels adequate, (4) identify what types of PG knowledge current practitioners believe are most useful for professional pharmacy students, and (5) identify perceptions of the importance of PG knowledge in the future. A total of 286 Pharmacy Experiential Education Consortium preceptors were invited to participate in the online survey. The response rate was 33%. Approximately 34% of respondents used PG in practice, including 13 hospital and five community preceptors. The most frequently used PG topics were drug metabolism and drug side effects. Nearly 67% of PG users reported they had been asked questions that requires PG knowledge by physicians and 25% reported such questions from nurses. Preceptors considered their own PG training inadequate, with a mean value of 2.0 ± 1.2 (1 = very inadequate, 5 = very adequate). Only two PG-using preceptors felt students had adequate training. Both enzymes responsible for drug metabolism and the pharmacogenomics of specific diseases were ranked among the five most important PG areas. More PG training is needed. If PG use expands as anticipated, the need will be even greater.