OBJECTIVE Pharmacogenomics seeks to improve prescribing by reducing drug inefficacy/toxicity. However, views of patients during pharmacogenomic-guided care are largely unknown. We sought to understand attitudes and perceptions of patients in an institutional implementation project and hypothesized that views would differ based on experience with pharmacogenomic-guided care. METHODS Two focus groups were conducted–one group consisted of patients who had previously submitted to broad pharmacogenomic genotyping with results available to physicians (pharmacogenomic group), while the other had not been offered genotyping (traditional care). Five domains were explored: 1) experiences with medications/side-effects, 2) understanding of pharmacogenomics, 3) impact of pharmacogenomics on relationships with healthcare professionals, 4) scenarios involving pharmacogenomic-guided prescribing, and 5) responses to pharmacogenomic education materials. RESULTS Nine pharmacogenomic and 13 traditional care participants were included. Participants in both groups agreed pharmacogenomics could inform prescribing and help identify problem prescriptions, but expressed concerns over insurance coverage and employment discrimination. Both groups diverged on who should be permitted to access pharmacogenomic results, with some preferring access only for providers with a longstanding relationship, while others argued for open-access. Notably, traditional care participants showed greater skepticism about how results might be used. Case scenarios and tested educational materials elicited strong desires on the part of patients for physicians to engage participants when considering pharmacogenomic-based prescribing, and to utilize shared decision-making. CONCLUSION Participants experiencing pharmacogenomic-guided care were more receptive toward pharmacogenomic information being used than traditional care participants. As key stakeholders in implementation, addressing patients’ concerns will be important to successfully facilitate clinical dissemination.

Successful deployment of GPS by combining complex data and recognizable iconography led to a tool that enabled point-of-care genomic delivery with high usability. Continued scalability and incorporation of additional clinical elements to be considered alongside PGx information could expand future impact.

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