Pharmacogenomics courses in pharmacy school curricula

Aim: The appropriate use and integration of pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing will pivot on provider preparation and training. Pharmacists have been recognized as one of the key providers in the delivery of PGx testing and as such, professional organizations have recommended inclusion of PGx content in pharmacy curricula. Methods: We reviewed the curriculum of 132 US pharmacy schools for information about PGx courses. Results: A total of 70 core curriculum courses were identified. 55 (42%) pharmacy schools included at least one PGx course as part of the core curriculum, and ten (8%) schools that offered a PGx course elective. Conclusion: While many pharmacy schools have responded to the accreditation standards to include PGx, less than half of the schools have developed a standalone course. </jats:p

Patient experiences with pharmacogenetic testing in a primary care setting

Aim: To investigate patient experiences with pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing. Methods: Patients were offered PGx testing through a study on pharmacist-assisted delivery of PGx testing and invited to complete pre- and post-testing surveys about their experience. Results: Of 63 patients tested, 17 completed the baseline survey (27%). Interest in testing was mostly impacted by desire to inform selection of best treatment (n = 13). Seven of 12 patients that completed the follow-up survey indicated that their provider discussed the test result with them. Five patients understood their test result very or somewhat well. All would be likely to have PGx testing again. Conclusion: Patients perceived PGx testing to be useful, though more effort may be needed to improve patient–provider communication of test results. </jats:p

Pilot study: incorporation of pharmacogenetic testing in medication therapy management services

Aim: To describe the rationale and design of a pilot study evaluating the integration of pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing into pharmacist-delivered medication therapy management (MTM). Study rationale: Clinical delivery approaches of PGx testing involving pharmacists may overcome barriers of limited physician knowledge about and experience with testing. Study design: We will assess the addition of PGx testing to MTM services for cardiology patients taking three or more medications including simvastatin or clopidogrel. We will measure the impact of MTM plus PGx testing on drug/dose adjustment and clinical outcomes. Factors associated with delivery, such as time to prepare and conduct MTM and consult with physicians will be recorded. Additionally, patient interest and satisfaction will be measured. Anticipated results: We anticipate that PGx testing can be practically integrated into standard a MTM service, providing a viable delivery model for testing. Conclusion: Given the lack of evidence of an effective PGx delivery models, this study will provide preliminary evidence regarding a pharmacist-delivered approach. </jats:p

Incorporation of pharmacogenetic testing into medication therapy management

Aim: To assess feasibility and patient satisfaction with a pharmacist-delivered medication therapy management (MTM) plus pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing service. Methods: Thirty patients from a cardiology outpatient clinic were enrolled to attend two MTM sessions, undergo PGx testing and complete pre- and post-intervention surveys. Outcome measures included duration of MTM sessions, clinical application of test results, self-reported medication adherence, patient recall of results and perceived value of testing and MTM. Results: Overall, patients were very satisfied with the MTM plus PGx testing service. About half of participants (47%) were able to accurately recall their PGx test results. Comparable to MTM without PGx testing, the first MTM session averaged 40 min and the follow-up MTM session averaged 15 min. Conclusion: PGx testing incorporated into a clinical MTM service offered by pharmacists may be a feasible delivery model and is satisfactory to patients. </jats:p

Primary Care Providers' Acceptance of Pharmacists' Recommendations to Support Optimal Medication Management for Patients with Diabetic Kidney Disease.

BackgroundPatients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) often struggle with blood pressure control. In team-based models of care, pharmacists and primary care providers (PCPs) play important roles in supporting patients' blood pressure management.ObjectiveTo describe whether PCPs' acceptance of pharmacists' recommendations impacts systolic blood pressure (SBP) at 36 months.DesignAn observational analysis of a subset of participants randomized to the intervention arm of the Simultaneous risk factor control using Telehealth to slOw Progression of Diabetic Kidney Disease (STOP-DKD) study.ParticipantsSTOP-DKD participants for whom (1) the pharmacist made at least one recommendation to the PCP; (2) there were available data regarding the PCP's corresponding action; and (3) there were SBP measurements at baseline and 36 months.InterventionParticipants received monthly telephone calls with a pharmacist addressing health behaviors and medication management. Pharmacists made medication-related recommendations to PCPs.Main measuresWe fit an unadjusted generalized linear mixed model to assess the association between the number of pharmacists' recommendations for DKD and blood pressure management and PCPs' acceptance of such recommendations. We used a linear regression model to evaluate the association between PCP acceptance and SBP at 36 months, adjusted for baseline SBP.Key resultsPharmacists made 176 treatment recommendations (among 59 participants), of which 107 (61%) were accepted by PCPs. SBP significantly declined by an average of 10.5 mmHg (p ConclusionsPharmacists provided actionable medication-related recommendations. We identified a significant decline in SBP at 36 months, but this reduction was not associated with recommendation acceptance.Trial registrationNCT01829256