Are Pharmacists in Saudi Arabia Ready to Use Pharmacogenetics to Enhance Pharmaceutical Care?

Pharmacogenetics has become increasingly important in pharmaceutical practice.

This study assessed pharmacists' knowledge, perceptions, and confidence regarding the application of pharmacogenetics in Saudi Arabia. It also explored their readiness to integrate pharmacogenetics into practice and identified barriers to implementation.

A pre-validated questionnaire consisting of six sections was used: demographics; pharmacogenetic training and counseling; knowledge, perception, and confidence toward pharmacogenetic application; preferred learning methods for future pharmacogenetic education; and perceived barriers to implementation.

The survey was conducted in August 2023 and included 757 participants. Male pharmacists constituted the majority of respondents (62.8%), and the median age was 34 years. The median scores were 3 for knowledge (71% demonstrated good knowledge), 5 for perception (79% expressed positive perceptions), and 2 for confidence (only 44% reported high confidence). Pharmacists who had counseled patients on pharmacogenetic testing results were significantly more likely to have higher knowledge [odds ratio (OR): 2.376, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.181-4.778], more positive perceptions (OR: 4.331, 95% CI: 1.514-12.392), and greater confidence. In contrast, pharmacists working in general or other specialty areas had lower perception scores (OR: 0.531, 95% CI: 0.305-0.924). High confidence was also associated with older age and prior pharmacogenetic training.

These findings suggest that pharmacists in Saudi Arabia are ready to incorporate pharmacogenetics into practice and that patient counseling plays a key role in enhancing their knowledge, perceptions, and confidence.