Psychiatric pharmacists' perception on the use of pharmacogenomic testing in the mental health population

Abstract

Aim: Pharmacogenomics could play a role in improving patient care, reducing adverse drug reactions and overall healthcare costs. However, whether it is utilized may be determined by how it is perceived by healthcare professionals, including pharmacists.

Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey evaluated psychiatric pharmacists' use, knowledge and perception of the effectiveness of such testing.

Results: Among participants, 80% worked at sites not offering pharmacogenomic testing, mostly due to a lack of funding. About 36% of pharmacists considered themselves more knowledgeable and 47% considered themselves less knowledgeable about pharmacogenomic testing; however, most agreed on the potential usefulness of testing.

Conclusion: Among psychiatric pharmacists, the use of pharmacogenomics appears underappreciated due to factors such as lack of availability and understanding of testing. Original submitted 26 November 2014; Revision submitted 13 February 2015.

Keywords: knowledge; mental health; neurology; opinions; pharmacists; pharmacogenomic testing; pharmacogenomics; psychiatry.