The role of hospital pharmacists in the adoption and use of pharmacogenomics and precision medicine

Abstract

Aim: Our aim was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of US hospital pharmacists about the implementation of clinical pharmacogenomics, and examine liability risks of adopting pharmacogenomics by pharmacists. Methods: We surveyed hospital pharmacists. Linear regression models of predictor variables for pharmacist adoption and use of pharmacogenomics were analyzed. Results: The survey was administered to 660 hospital pharmacists (23% response rate; n = 149). The majority of respondents (72%) favor implementing pharmacogenomics into pharmacy practice. However, only 25% are confident in their abilities to interpret pharmacogenomic test results. Conclusion: Pharmacists lack confidence in their abilities to interpret and use pharmacogenomic information in clinical care. These results raise potential liability risks that are pertinent to pharmacists.