Pharmacogenomics Education Improves Pharmacy Student Perceptions of Their Abilities and Roles in Its Use

Objective. To assess whether a required first-year course, Principles in Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, and integration into subsequent courses affected pharmacy students' perceptions of pharmacogenomics. Methods. A survey was distributed to Professional Year (PY) 1 students during the first and last weeks of the course from 2014 to 2016. A follow-up survey was distributed to PY2, PY3, and PY4 students. Results. Respondents consistently agreed that pharmacogenomics is clinically relevant. After the course, PY1 students are more comfortable in their knowledge and role in the application of pharmacogenomics. Although their comfort reverts to some degree, PY2-PY4 students believe that they should be able to apply pharmacogenomics clinically. Most PY2-PY4 students indicate that later courses review pharmacogenomics. Conclusion. A required course in genetics and pharmacogenomics can promote a perception that pharmacists should have knowledge of, and be involved in the use of genetic information clinically. Inclusion of pharmacogenomic concepts in subsequent curricular components may help in maintaining these perceptions.