Pharmacogenomics education among professional societies: assessing practices and future needs

To study the availability, perceived necessity, barriers, and preferred formats for pharmacogenomics (PGx) education disseminated to healthcare professionals by professional societies.

A web-based survey of professional organizations affiliated with the Inter-Society Coordinating Committee for Practitioner Education in Genomics (ISCC-PEG), a U.S.-based initiative coordinated by the National Human Genome Research Institute, targeted representatives who could reflect their organization's educational stance.

Of the 34 unique responses analyzed, most organizations provided general and genomic education (94.1% and 82.4%, respectively), and 70.6% offered PGx-specific education. Most (61.8%) indicated they either needed major additions to the education they provide or had no PGx education resources. Key barriers included a lack of PGx focus within organizations (78.1%) and challenges in maintaining an up-to-date curriculum (75.0%). Preferred educational formats were live webinars (84.4%), hybrid courses (78.1%), and self-study modules (78.1%).

Our study identifies gaps in PGx education across professional organizations and underscores the need for resources to advance clinician competence in PGx. While some PGx education is available, many organizations require additional resources and support. Enhancing PGx education through targeted initiatives by organizations like ISCC-PEG may improve clinician competence and the integration of PGx into clinical practice.