Patients’ Perspectives of Factors That Influence Pharmacogenetic Testing Uptake: Enhancing Patient Counseling and Results Dissemination

Abstract

Patient preferences for pharmacogenetic (PGx) counseling, testing and results dissemination are not well-established, especially in medically underserved Black and Latino populations. The aim of this study was to capture the preferences of Black and Latino patients who received PGx testing to ascertain: (1) factors enhancing their willingness to do testing and (2) preferences for the dissemination of results. Using the constant comparative method, we thematically analyzed interviews with 13 patients from medically underserved populations who had undergone PGx testing. The findings describe participants wanting better medication options, receiving a clear explanation about the testing, valuing or having an interest in science or medicine and having misconceptions about testing results as factors affecting one’s willingness to undergo PGx testing. Additionally, patients confirmed preferring receiving results of PGx testing in a sharable format and described the significance of discussing results in a clinical appointment. The findings provide insight into what Black and Latino patients may prefer in terms of clinical implementation of PGx testing. These results can be utilized for tailoring future implementation of PGx testing and informing best pre- and post-test patient counseling and education practices.