Patient and clinician perspectives on pharmacogenetic testing for antipsychotics

Title : Patient and clinician perspectives on pharmacogenetic testing for antipsychotics

Abstract:

Medications are often prescribed using a trial-and-error approach, which can lead to poor treatment outcomes, non-adherence, and adverse drug reactions. To address this, there is increasing focus on personalizing medicine. For example, pharmacogenetics investigates how one’s genetic profile influences metabolism of, and response to, different drugs. Recent clinical trials show promising results for its utility in optimizing psychiatric treatment. As momentum behind pharmacogenetics grows, gathering stakeholder opinions on its acceptability is critical. This study is a sub-study of Genetics and Environment in Mental Health Study (GEMS), which is investigating how a pharmacogenetic intervention influences antipsychotic treatment response. A ‘Participant Survey’, co-created with patients, was delivered to 22 patient-participants. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 UK National Health Service clinician-participants who have used and discussed pharmacogenetic reports with patients. Responses revealed a positive view of pharmacogenetics amongst patients and clinicians. Patients reported a strong belief that pharmacogenetic testing can improve shared decision-making, and clinicians echoed this. However, barriers such as accessibility, patient understanding, and clinician knowledge were acknowledged. Patients and clinicians approve of pharmacogenetic testing for antipsychotics in the UK. Clinical implications, such as more healthcare professional training, and future research suggestions are discussed.? 

Audience Take Away Notes:

• The audience will learn how pharmacogenetic testing impacts psychiatric treatment, particularly for antipsychotic medication. For example, how pharmacogenetic testing can streamline antipsychotic prescribing and minimize trial-and-error approaches.
• They will understand patient and clinician perspectives on the benefits and barriers to implementation, which can inform their own practice, research, or policy recommendations.
• For clinicians, this research provides evidence supporting pharmacogenetic testing as a tool for shared decision-making and personalized treatment.
• Therefore, this research encourages policy discussions on integrating pharmacogenetic testing into routine psychiatric care.
• In sum, the research contributes to the broader movement toward personalised medicine, with the aim to enhance treatment adherence and patient outcomes.

Biography:

I am Maria Richards-Brown, a research assistant at University College London (UCL). After earning my BA in Experimental Psychology from the University of Oxford, I completed an MSc in Clinical Mental Health Sciences at UCL, where I joined Prof E Bramon’s pharmacogenetics study on antipsychotics. Fascinated by its potential to address issues like adverse drug reactions and discontinuation, I focused my MSc dissertation on patient perspectives. Now, as a research assistant, I have expanded this work by integrating both patient and clinician feedback on pharmacogenetic testing.