Pharmacist and physician perception of pharmacogenetic testing

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the perception of pharmacists and physicians towards pharmacogenetic testing. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was developed, validated, tested for reliability and disseminated to pharmacists and physicians in Malta. Key findings: The study population consisted of 292 participants; 61% pharmacists (64% female, 38% practicing >10 years) and 39% physicians (50% female, 54% practicing >10 years). Pharmacists and physicians felt they lack sufficient competence in the area (95.0% and 97.4%, respectively; P > 0.05) and agreed that further training is required (92.7% and 91.2%, respectively; P > 0.05). Conclusions: The need for further training was identified by the participants to support competency development and sustain confidence on the topic, hence facilitating the clinical implementation of pharmacogenetic testing.