Date of Award

5-2024

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Degree Name

MS in Human Genetics

First Advisor

Laura Hercher, MS, CGC

Abstract

Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing is increasingly utilized in patient care, with the potential to personalize the use of medication for individual patients. However, many barriers stand in the way of PGx testing becoming standard-of-care, including a lack of resources for patient education. The objective of this study was to develop and pilot a pre-test educational tool for clinical PGx testing and gather patient input. We designed a one- page, printed PEM which was piloted at a genetic counseling clinic in Cincinnati, Ohio. In total, 53 participants read the PEM and provided their feedback through a survey. The survey was designed to collect and assess patient demographics, prior awareness of PGx, effectiveness of and satisfaction with the PEM, and interest in PGx testing. We found little prior awareness of PGx, with 66% of patients reporting no prior knowledge of PGx. Reading the PEM was associated with a statistically significant improvement in self- reported understanding of PGx for patients of all educational backgrounds. In addition, 94% of patients agreed the handout was a helpful educational tool. Finally, 79% of patients expressed potential interest in pursuing PGx testing. Patients reporting use of a prescription medication were more likely to express interest. The findings of this pilot study support that simple, written educational tools could increase patient understanding of PGx in the pre-test context. In addition, in our study, we found that patients had little prior awareness of, but much interest in, PGx testing.

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