Pharmacist workforce training in pharmacogenomics with a focus on rural and underserved areas

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Abstract
Objective: Our primary objective is to demonstrate the benefits of pharmacogenomic (PGx) education for pharmacists that serve rural and underserved communities through pre- and post-surveys assessing their overall change in knowledge and attitudes towards PGx testing. Methods: Participants completed a 16-week, asynchronous didactic course, attended in-person case-based PGx presentations from content experts, and viewed materials from a two-day international PGx conference. Pre- and post-surveys designed to measure changes in self-assessed knowledge, confidence, and attitudes towards PGx testing were completed by all participants. All participants who had completed the program were also invited to take a longitudinal survey to assess long-term program impacts. Results: Twenty-three participants located throughout the state of Minnesota completed the program. Participant’s confidence in their PGx knowledge increased significantly from the beginning of the program to the end. In the longitudinal survey, nearly all participants (93%) responded “yes” when asked if the program influenced their perspectives on the importance of PGx in pharmacy and healthcare, and nearly 75% responded “yes” when asked if the PGx certificate program had contributed to their professional growth or career advancement. The majority (87%) reported that they had shared the knowledge gained from the program with other healthcare providers. Conclusion: These findings show a high level of impact on PGx knowledge in pharmacists practicing in rural and underserved areas, and highlight increased likelihood of PGx implementation after the education program.

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