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. 2023 Nov;23(6):185-194.
doi: 10.1038/s41397-023-00317-8. Epub 2023 Nov 1.

British South Asian ancestry participants views of pharmacogenomics clinical implementation and research: a thematic analysis

Emma F Magavern  1 , Faiza Durrani  2 , Mehru Raza  2 , Robin Lerner  2 , Mohammed Riadul Islam  3 ; Genes & Health Research Team; Megan Clinch #  4 , Mark J Caulfield #  5
Affiliations

British South Asian ancestry participants views of pharmacogenomics clinical implementation and research: a thematic analysis

Emma F Magavern et al. Pharmacogenomics J. 2023 Nov.

Abstract

Background: South Asian ancestry populations are underrepresented in genomic studies and therapeutics trials. British South Asians suffer from multi-morbidity leading to polypharmacy. Our objective was to elucidate British South Asian ancestry community perspectives on pharmacogenomic implementation and sharing pharmacogenomic clinical data for research.

Methods: Four focus groups were conducted (9-12 participants in each). Two groups were mixed gender, while one group was male only and one was female only. Simultaneous interpretation was available to participants in Urdu and Bengali. Focus groups were recorded and abridged transcription and thematic analysis were undertaken.

Results: There were 42 participants, 64% female. 26% were born in the UK or Europe. 52% were born in Bangladesh and 17% in Pakistan. 36% reported university level education. Implementation of pharmacogenomics was perceived to be beneficial to individuals but pose a risk of overburdening resource limited systems. Pharmacogenomic research was perceived to be beneficial to the community, with concerns about data privacy and misuse. Data sharing was desirable if the researchers did not have a financial stake, and benefits would be shared. Trust was the key condition for the acceptability of both clinical implementation and research. Trust was linked with medication compliance. Education, outreach, and communication facilitate trust.

Conclusions (significance and impact of the study): Pharmacogenomics implementation with appropriate education and communication has the potential to enhance trust and contribute to increased medication compliance. Trust drives data sharing, which would enable enhanced representation in research. Representation in scientific evidence base could cyclically enhance trust and compliance.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Mind Map of focus group theme and sub-theme interactions. PGx Pharmacogenomics.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
A circular trust building and benefit model of pharmacogenomics clinical implementation and research. PGx Pharmacogenomics.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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