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Exploratory planning and implementation of a pilot pharmacogenetic program in a community pharmacy
Shanna K O'Connor1, Stefanie P Ferreri, Natasha M Michaels
1Division of Pharmacy Practice & Experiential Education CB #7574, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7574, USA.
Pharmacogenomics
|June 9, 2012
Summary
Community pharmacies are exploring pharmacogenetics, starting with a clopidogrel pilot program. Pharmacists collect samples, consult prescribers, and discuss results, showing their potential in personalized medicine.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacogenomics
- Community Pharmacy Practice
- Personalized Medicine
Background:
- Pharmacogenetic testing is crucial for optimizing drug therapy.
- Community pharmacies offer accessible points for patient intervention.
- Implementing pharmacogenetics in community settings requires careful planning and evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the planning and implementation of a pilot pharmacogenetic program.
- To assess the feasibility of a clopidogrel pharmacogenetic program in a community pharmacy.
- To evaluate the role of community pharmacists in pharmacogenetics.
Main Methods:
- Developed an institutional review board-approved protocol for a clopidogrel pharmacogenetic program.
- Recruited subjects at the point of medication dispensing.
- Collected buccal swab samples for CYP2C19 testing.
- Facilitated pharmacist-prescriber consultations for result interpretation and recommendations.
- Scheduled patient follow-up appointments to discuss results and therapeutic changes.
Main Results:
- Subject enrollment for the pilot program has commenced.
- The program is currently in its implementation phase.
Conclusions:
- Community pharmacists are well-positioned to be key partners in pharmacogenetics.
- Pilot programs demonstrate the feasibility of integrating pharmacogenetic services into community pharmacy practice.
- This initiative highlights the potential for community pharmacies to advance personalized medicine.
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