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. 2025 Apr 5;15(4):146.
doi: 10.3390/jpm15040146.

Exploring the Clinical Workflow in Pharmacogenomics Clinics: An Observational Study

Nicole Keuler  1 , Jane McCartney  1 , Renier Coetzee  2 , Rustin Crutchley  3
Affiliations

Exploring the Clinical Workflow in Pharmacogenomics Clinics: An Observational Study

Nicole Keuler et al. J Pers Med. .

Abstract

Background: Pharmacogenomics (PGx) is the future of healthcare and implementation is being driven by increasing evidence. Understanding the workflow in a PGx clinic provides insight into the development and implementation of PGx services. It considers the patient's perspective, the role of the interprofessional team and the pivotal input of the pharmacist. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical workflow followed in selected PGx clinics. Methods: Four different sites that offer PGx clinical services (United States of America) were included. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews and observations providing valuable insights into the workflow followed in both community-based and hospital-based PGx clinics. Results: Although each setting differed, the processes were similar with setting-specific workflows and barriers. This study highlights the role of the pharmacist and the interprofessional team, the resources used for interpretation of PGx test results and the importance of patient and healthcare education. Conclusions: Understanding the workflow and the role of the interprofessional team in PGx is essential to ensure successful implementation and sustainable precision medicine practices in resource-limited settings.

Keywords: clinical workflow; pharmacist; pharmacogenomics.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Summary of site-specific qualitative data collection processes.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Evidence-based resources used by pharmacists (n = 4) working in PGx clinic.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Flow diagram of workflow at a pediatric hospital (Site A). The interprofessional team consisted of a pharmacist, physician, nurse, specialists and laboratory personnel.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Flow diagram of workflow at a military hospital (Site C).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Flow diagram of workflow at direct-to-consumer testing (Site B).
Figure 6
Figure 6
Flow diagram of PGx workflow at an independent community pharmacy (Site D).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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