Ghazal Heba, Tahar Ayaz, Mason Thuy
School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University London, Kingston Upon Thames, London KT1 2EE, UK.
Pharmacy (Basel). 2023 Oct 26;11(6):170. doi: 10.3390/pharmacy11060170.
This study assesses the readiness and willingness of community pharmacists in England to deliver the pharmacogenomic (PG) testing service. A survey covering demographics and four key themes including awareness and training, general views and experience, barriers, willingness, and confidence was distributed to community pharmacies in the boroughs of Croydon and Sutton in South London. A total of 51 pharmacists responded to the survey. The study revealed that most respondents had a limited familiarity or understanding of pharmacogenomics ( = 32, 63%). Moreover, on average, around 60% of participants were unable to accurately identify drugs that currently have or could have potentials for PG testing. They indicated that their pharmacogenomic education and training is inadequate, with only 2/51 pharmacists reported receiving relevant training. Time constraints, shortage of staff and lack of knowledge were identified as barriers that could hinder the implementation of PG. Over 60% of respondents expressed willingness to provide PG testing service after receiving adequate training. The study found that currently not all community pharmacists are prepared to provide PG testing services, with newly qualified pharmacists appearing to have an upper hand when it comes to understanding the subject. Therefore, consistent, and uniform training is required to allow community pharmacists with all years of experience to equally contribute to the implementation of PG testing.
本研究评估了英格兰社区药剂师提供药物基因组学（PG）检测服务的准备情况和意愿。一项涵盖人口统计学以及包括认知与培训、总体看法与经验、障碍、意愿和信心在内的四个关键主题的调查，被分发给了伦敦南部克罗伊登和萨顿行政区的社区药房。共有51名药剂师回复了该调查。研究表明，大多数受访者对药物基因组学的熟悉程度或了解有限（n = 32，63%）。此外，平均而言，约60%的参与者无法准确识别目前已有或可能具有PG检测潜力的药物。他们表示自己接受的药物基因组学教育和培训不足，只有2/51的药剂师报告接受过相关培训。时间限制、人员短缺和知识匮乏被确定为可能阻碍PG实施的障碍。超过60%的受访者表示在接受充分培训后愿意提供PG检测服务。研究发现，目前并非所有社区药剂师都准备好提供PG检测服务，新获得资格的药剂师在理解该主题方面似乎具有优势。因此，需要进行一致且统一的培训，以使所有经验年限的社区药剂师都能平等地为PG检测的实施做出贡献。
