Understanding the barriers and enablers of pharmacogenomic testing in primary care: a qualitative systematic review with meta-aggregation synthesis

Qureshi, Sadaf; Latif, Asam; Condon, Laura; Akyea, Ralph K; Kai, Joe; Qureshi, Nadeem

Abstract

Introduction: Pharmacogenomic testing can indicate which drugs may have limited therapeutic action or lead to adverse effects, hence guiding rational and safe prescribing. However, in the UK and other countries, there are still significant barriers to implementation of testing in primary care.

Objective: This systematic review presents the barriers and enablers to the implementation pharmacogenomics in primary care setting.

Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL databases were searched through to July 2020 for studies that reported primary qualitative data of primary care professionals and patient views. Following screening, data extraction and quality assessment, data synthesis was undertaken using meta-aggregation based on the theoretical domain's framework (TDF). Confidence in the synthesised findings relating to credibility and dependability was established using CONQual. Eligible papers were categorised into six TDF domains - knowledge; social and professional roles; behavioural regulation; beliefs and consequences; environmental context and resources; and social influences.

Results: From 1669 citations, eighteen eligible studies were identified across seven countries, with a sample size of 504 participants including both primary care professionals and patients. From the data, fifteen synthesised statements, all with moderate CONQual rating emerged. These categories range from knowledge, awareness among Primary Care Physicians and patients, professional relationships, negative impact of PGx, belief that PGx can reduce adverse drug reactions, clinical evidence, cost effectiveness, informatics and reporting issues and social issues.

Conclusions: Through use of TDF, fifteen synthesised statements provide policymakers with valuable recommendations for the implementation of pharmacogenomics in primary care. In preparation, policymakers need to consider the introduction of effective educational strategies for both PCPs and patients to raise knowledge, awareness, and engagement. The actual introduction of PGx will require reorganisation with decision support tools to aid use of PGx in primary care, with a clear delegation of roles and responsibilities between general professionals and pharmacists supplemented by a local pool of experts. Further policy makers need to address the cost effectiveness of pharmacogenomics and having appropriate infrastructure supporting testing and interpretation including informatic solutions for utilising pharmacogenomic results.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 16, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Dec 16, 2021
• Publication Date: 2022-01
• Deposit Date: Dec 2, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 17, 2022
• Journal: Pharmacogenomics
• Print ISSN: 1462-2416
• Electronic ISSN: 1744-8042
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 23
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 135-154
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.2217/pgs-2021-0131
• Keywords: pharmacogenomic testing, primary care, barriers, enablers
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/6840314
• Publisher URL: https://www.futuremedicine.com/doi/10.2217/pgs-2021-0131