Examining the perception of prescribers, pharmacists, and patients
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Identifying the barriers and enablers in the implementation of pharmacogenomic testing (PGx) for older people in secondary care: Examining the viewpoints and perception of prescribers, pharmacists, and patients
IRAS ID
303460
Contact name
Marcus Rattray
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bradford
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
Aim of the Research
The aim of the research is to identify the implementation issues in the use of genetic testing for medication selection/adjustment in patients aged 65 and over. This testing is known as pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing. We will be interviewing (semi-structured interviews) pharmacists, people who prescribe medication as well as patients aged 65 and over in hospital, to get their views on the future use of PGx testing. This information is valuable in helping us shape recommendations for how PGx testing can be delivered effectively to patients aged 65 and over in NHS hospitals. The study will last 9 months inclusive of recruitment, data collection, data analysis and report writing.
What is pharmacogenomic testing and what does it have to do with healthcare?Pharmacogenomics testing involves testing a patient’s DNA (information code that can be found in the cells of your body) to help healthcare professionals predict how the patient will respond to medication.
Individuals carry information in their DNA, that makes them respond differently to a medication when compared to other individuals. Knowing these differences can help healthcare professionals select medication, or change the dose of a medication, to improve a patient’s response. This can help healthcare professionals select the most suitable medication for a patient.
For example, the testing will tell us which patients are likely to react badly to a medication. It can also tell us if a patient will be sensitive to a drug that will allow a lower dose to be given. Knowing this information can help healthcare professionals improve a patient’s wellbeing in response to medication.
Outcome of research study
The research study will provide us with valuable information on how patients aged 65 and over, view PGx testing. Exploring the viewpoints and perceptions of patients, prescribers, and pharmacists will help to shape the future of how people are PGx tested and how medications are prescribed. This will help to shape the future delivery of PGx tests, to be focused on patient experience and delivered in an acceptable way by prescribers and pharmacists.
REC name
Wales REC 4
REC reference
21/WA/0404
Date of REC Opinion
1 Feb 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion