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Transitioning Pharmacogenomics into the Clinical Setting: Training Future Pharmacists
Amber Frick1, Cristina S Benton1, Kelly L Scolaro2
1Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Frontiers in Pharmacology
|August 24, 2016
Summary
Pharmacogenomics education significantly improved student pharmacists' knowledge and confidence in applying genetic information to patient care. Incorporating personal genotyping enhanced understanding of genomic testing and its future career relevance.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacogenomics and Pharmaceutical Education
Background:
- Pharmacogenomics is transitioning to clinical practice, but clinician education remains a barrier.
- Pharmacists are well-positioned to lead pharmacogenomics implementation due to their expertise and patient access.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate an innovative pharmacogenomics teaching approach for student pharmacists.
- To assess the impact of personal genotyping on student attitudes and confidence in pharmacogenomics.
Main Methods:
- Second-year student pharmacists participated in a 15-week pharmaceutical care lab with lectures and group work on pharmacogenomics.
- Students were offered direct-to-consumer (DTC) 23andMe genotyping.
- Pre- and post-intervention surveys measured knowledge, confidence, and attitudes, with statistical analysis comparing genotyped and non-genotyped students.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in knowledge of pharmacogenomic resources (17.9% to 56.4%) and confidence in applying pharmacogenomics (28.2% to 48.7%).
- Improved understanding of personal genome testing risks/benefits (55.3% to 86.8%) and perceived career importance (47.4% to 76.3%).
- Personal genotyping correlated with greater improvements in confidence and career outlook.
Conclusions:
- The educational intervention, including personal genotyping, was feasible and positively impacted student pharmacists' attitudes and reflections on pharmacogenomics.
- This approach enhances preparedness for integrating pharmacogenomics into future pharmacy practice.
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