Opinion, Experience and Educational Preferences Concerning Pharmacogenomics: An Exploratory Study of Quebec Pharmacists

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the current opinion, experience and educational preferences of pharmacists in Quebec concerning pharmacogenomics. Method: A web-based survey containing 25 questions was sent to all Quebec pharmacists. Results: Most pharmacists were willing to advise patients (81%) and physicians (84%) on treatment choices based on pharmacogenomic test results after proper training. Only 31% had been previously exposed to pharmacogenomic test results, and 91% were favorable to pharmacogenomics training, with e-learning through interactive video sessions (69%). The preferred training session length was between 1 and 3 h (59%). Hospital pharmacists were more often exposed to pharmacogenomic tests (p < 0.0001) and more frequently advised patients on treatment choices (p < 0.001) than community pharmacists. Conclusion: Pharmacists remain favorable toward pharmacogenomics, but its use in clinical practice stays limited. Identifying the educational preferences of pharmacists may help in the development of educational programs to help them integrate pharmacogenomics in their clinical practice.

Experience, Knowledge, and Perceptions of Pharmacogenomics among Pharmacists and Nurse Practitioners in Alberta Hospitals

“…Only 31% of respondents had any prior education or training in PGx, which is considered imperative to the implementation of pharmacogenomics into practice [ 19 ]. Unlike previous research that identified earlier-career practitioners as being more likely to have prior education in PGx [ 11 , 20 ], likely due to the relatively recent addition of PGx in entry-to-practice curricula [ 21 ], there was no such difference found in this sample. It is apparent that education will need to reach all current healthcare providers before PGx can be implemented, regardless of experience.…”

“…This need for education is also demonstrated by the overall low-rated confidence that clinicians surveyed had in their ability to use and discuss PGx information in patient care activities. To address this knowledge gap, respondents identified a preference for self-study, conference, or certificate modes of education, similar to other research that was carried out in Canada [ 21 ]. Despite the limited knowledge, most respondents had a positive attitudes towards PGx’s ability to enhance medication efficacy and prevent adverse side-effects, with most agreeing that they desire to learn more about PGx and use it in their practice, and can see it being part of their practice in the next 10 years.…”

Pharmacogenomic‐based personalized medicine: Multistakeholder perspectives on implementational drivers and barriers in the Canadian healthcare system

“…Other Canadian studies—three in Quebec and one in British Columbia—assessed the overall feasibility of disseminating PGx services through pharmacists. 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 Although our study evaluated the deployment of PGx services through a large outpatient hospital, the broader adoption of PGx may hinge on leveraging primary care physicians and pharmacists.…”

“…Within customer profile and value map subthemes, points were ranked based on how frequently they arose in interview transcripts. In 45 British Columbia 2020 Breaux et al 46 addition to these subthemes, any other pertinent perspectives were noted.…”

Pharmacogenetics in Pharmaceutical Care—Piloting an Application-Oriented Blended Learning Concept

“…However, the same number of pharmacists considered it their duty to counsel patients in the matter of PGx and additionally expressed willingness to participate in an advanced training course on the said topic [8]. A recent survey among Canadian pharmacists showed comparable results and additionally identified digital training as a highly accepted and favoured way of learning [9].…”