Nurses' communication of pharmacogenetic test results as part of discharge care

Area of Science:

• Clinical Pharmacy
• Genetics in Medicine
• Patient Communication

Background:

• Pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing is increasingly used in hospitalized patients.
• Effective communication of PGx results to patients is crucial for current and future healthcare decisions.
• Current protocols for communicating PGx results during hospital stays require optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a framework for timely and effective communication of pharmacogenetic (PGx) test results to patients.
• To define the roles of healthcare providers, particularly nurses, in communicating PGx findings.
• To identify necessary educational and clinical support for healthcare professionals.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on current pharmacogenetic testing and patient communication practices.
• Analysis of the implications of PGx results for patient care.
• Development of recommendations for integrating PGx result communication into clinical workflows.

Main Results:

• Prompt discussion of PGx results upon completion of testing is ideal.
• If not discussed promptly, results should be communicated during discharge.
• Inclusion in discharge summaries and notification of primary providers are recommended.

Conclusions:

• Clear communication strategies for pharmacogenetic (PGx) results are essential for patient care.
• Nurses are vital in discharge planning and require enhanced training and support for PGx communication.
• Revised curricula and clinical decision support tools are needed to empower nurses in this role.