PHARMACOGENETICS IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTER; KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE AMONG PHYSICIAN AND CLINICAL PHARMACIST

Emi Rose Abraham; Tresa  Jose; Dinu Varghese; Susan John; Gayathri Raju

doi:10.38022/ajhp.v5i4.117

Emi Rose Abraham Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, India.
emiabraham7@gmail.com
Tresa Jose Department of Neonatology, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, India.
Dinu Varghese Departments of Clinical Pharmacology, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, India.
Susan John Department of Epidemiology, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, India.
Gayathri Raju Department of Epidemiology, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, India.

DOI https://doi.org/10.38022/ajhp.v5i4.117

Abstract

Background: Pharmacogenetics is “the study of how genetics influence an individual’s response to medicines”. Use of Pharmacogenetics in routine health-care remains limited, mainly due to the barriers like lack of knowledge, guidelines and skilled personals. Therefore, assessing the current knowledge level and attitude reveals the significant gap that hinders the effective integration of pharmacogenetics into clinical practice.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among physicians and clinical pharmacists practicing in a tertiary care center, using a self-administered questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.

Results: A total of 80 individuals participated in the study. The overall knowledge score calculated showed that 36 (66.7%) doctors and 20 (76.9%) CPs had good knowledge regarding pharmacogenetics. 39 (72.2%) doctors and 25 (96.2%) CPs had a positive attitude towards pharmacogenetics. A significant number of participants among them 12 (22.2%) physicians and 20 (76.9%) CPs expressed that all the factors like the time & cost, lack of clinical guidelines & knowledge, lack of personnel were the major impediments in practicing pharmacogenetics.

Conclusion: The participants had good knowledge regarding pharmacogenetics, with CPs expressing a positive attitude than physicians. Both groups were ready to practice pharmacogenetics, but a significant number of participants expressed their concern regarding the potentials barriers involved in it.

Keywords: Pharmacogenetics, Precision medicine, Physician, Clinical Pharmacist, Tertiary care center

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