Identifying End Users' Preferences about Structuring Pharmacogenetic Test Orders in an Electronic Health Record...

Area of Science:

• Pharmacogenetics and Clinical Pharmacy
• Health Informatics
• Electronic Health Records Systems

Background:

• Pharmacogenetics (PGx) testing identifies genetic variations influencing drug metabolism and response.
• Existing research often focuses on PGx result delivery, with limited attention to electronic order-entry system design.
• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is implementing a new electronic health records (EHR) system, necessitating optimized PGx test ordering.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey VA PGx test end users regarding preferences for structuring electronic PGx test orders.
• To inform the design of provider-friendly electronic order-entry systems for PGx testing within the VA EHR.
• To provide insights for other health systems implementing PGx testing programs.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to VA PGx test end users.
• Respondents were queried on preferences for nomenclature, single- versus multigene tests, and inclusion of test methodology in order names.
• Survey responses were systematically analyzed to identify agreement, disagreement, and divergence of opinions.

Main Results:

• End users favored flexible identification and ordering methods for PGx tests.
• A preference for multigene panel tests was endorsed by end users.
• Opinions were divided regarding the inclusion of test methodology in the PGx test order name.

Conclusions:

• The study results can guide the VA's EHR implementation for PGx test ordering.
• Findings offer valuable insights for designing and implementing PGx testing programs in other healthcare systems.
• Optimizing electronic ordering systems is key to facilitating the clinical integration of pharmacogenetics.