Impact of a pharmacogenomics (PGx) clinic on patient satisfaction and PGx literacy

Genetic variants can impact medication response. The study of genetic variants on medications is called pharmacogenomics (PGx). Understanding PGx results can be difficult as results are reported differently than other laboratory tests. Patients have reported a lack of understanding and satisfaction with PGx information.

Surveys were emailed to patients seen in the PGx clinic and patients who participated in an elective screening (Sanford Chip) at Sanford Health. Surveys were conducted to assess literacy, understanding and satisfaction of PGx testing. Survey responses were summarized using descriptive statistics.

There were 121 responses that were initially collected. A total of 100 responses were included in the analysis. The median response amongst all individuals was 9 out of a possible 13 points on the PGx literacy assessment. PGx clinic patients had increased satisfaction compared to Sanford Chip patients for being able to understand results (p < 0.05), that PGx test provided information to improve my care plan (p < 0.05), that they feel confident that my medication will be effective for me based on my genetics (p < 0.05), were satisfied with communication of results (p < 0.001) and overall experience (p < 0.01).

Implementation of a PGx clinic improves patient experience, confidence, and satisfaction.