Pharmacogenomics: Assessing Educational Exposure, Confidence in Knowledge and Training Elements of Pharmacists

Abstract

Aim: This study assessed pharmacist‘s knowledge and confidence in pharmacogenomics (PGx)-related concepts, and determined their needs with regard to education and training in PGx. Methods: A cross-sectional survey instrument was sent via postal mail to pharmacists (n = 319) who were randomly selected from the New York State database of licensed pharmacists. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were performed. Results: The response rate was 32% (n = 102). The majority (83%) of respondents had been exposed to basic concepts in genetics, while PGx was not an integral part of their education. Most respondents indicated being somewhat confident in their knowledge of PGx-related concepts. In addition, 64% of respondents reported being interested in attending 1–10 h of continuing education programs in PGx, and 42% of respondents indicated being interested in obtaining a certificate in PGx. Conclusion: Educational program development in the format of continuing education or certificate is needed to improve pharmacists‘ education, confidence and training needs in PGx.

KEYWORDS::

• certificate
• confidence
• continuing education
• knowledge
• pharmacists
• pharmacogenomics
• survey
• training

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the pharmacists for participating in this project.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors would like to acknowledge the Stephen Gross Fund for Policy Development for providing an educational grant to support this research (KE Benzeroual and B Shah).

The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Ethical conduct of research

The authors state that they have obtained appropriate institutional review board approval or have followed the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki for all human or animal experimental investigations. In addition, for investigations involving human subjects, informed consent has been obtained from the participants involved.

Additional information

Funding

Financial & competing interests disclosure The authors would like to acknowledge the Stephen Gross Fund for Policy Development for providing an educational grant to support this research (KE Benzeroual and B Shah). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed. No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.