Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of pharmacogenetic testing in swiss community pharmacies: a mixed-methods study...

Pharmacogenetic testing represents a promising approach for the individualization of drug therapies. Nevertheless, its integration within the Swiss healthcare system remains limited to date. This study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of physicians, pharmacists, and the general public toward PGx testing conducted in community pharmacy settings in Switzerland. A mixed-methods design was employed. Structured questionnaires were used to assess participants' knowledge, perceived clinical utility, and anticipated barriers to implementation, while semi-structured interviews allowed for a more in-depth exploration of individual perspectives. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, consistent with the exploratory scope of the study, and qualitative data were processed through thematic analysis. A total of 332 participants completed the questionnaire, including 100 physicians, 122 pharmacists, and 110 members of the general public, and 26 took part in the interviews. PGx testing was perceived as clinically relevant across all stakeholder groups. The main barriers identified included insufficient specialized training, the absence of standardized guidelines, financial constraints, and ethical concerns. The need for strengthened interprofessional collaboration was also highlighted. This study sheds light on the key challenges associated with the integration of PGx testing in community pharmacy practice in Switzerland, spanning educational, organizational, and ethical dimensions. The findings should be interpreted within a descriptive framework, as the study design does not support causal or inferential conclusions. To enable successful implementation, it appears essential to develop targeted training programs, structure interprofessional collaboration, and establish robust policies for the protection of genetic data.