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Short Communication

Knowledge and perceptions of pharmacogenomics among pharmacists in Manitoba, Canada

    Abdullah Al Maruf‡

    *Author for correspondence:

    E-mail Address: abdullah.maruf@umanitoba.ca

    College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0T5, Canada

    Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3P4, Canada

    The Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada

    Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada

    ‡Authors contributed equally

    Search for more papers by this author

    ,
    Meagan Shields‡

    Department of Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N2, Canada

    ‡Authors contributed equally

    Search for more papers by this author

    ,
    Amber Fryza

    College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0T5, Canada

    ,
    Amanda Wondrasek

    College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0T5, Canada

    ,
    Christine Leong

    College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0T5, Canada

    Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3P4, Canada

    Department of Psychiatry, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, MB, R3E 3N4, Canada

    ,
    Kaarina Kowalec

    College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0T5, Canada

    Department of Medical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden

    &
    Chad Bousman

    The Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada

    Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada

    Department of Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N2, Canada

    Departments of Physiology & Pharmacology & Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada

    Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada

    Published Online:https://doi.org/10.2217/pgs-2024-0013

    Objective: This work was designed to describe the knowledge and perceptions of pharmacogenomics (PGx) among pharmacists in the Canadian province of Manitoba. Methods: A 40-item, web-based survey was distributed to pharmacists in Manitoba. Results: Of 74 participants, one third had some education or training in PGx, and 12.2% had used PGx test results in their practice. Participants' self-rated knowledge of PGx testing and common PGx resources (e.g., Pharmacogenomics Knowledge Base, Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium) was low. Most pharmacists surveyed believe that PGx can improve medication efficacy (82.4%) or prevent adverse drug reactions (81.1%). Most (91%) desired more education on PGx. Conclusion: Manitoba pharmacists reported positive perceptions toward PGx. However, they are currently underprepared to implement PGx into practice.

    Tweetable abstract

    Manitoba pharmacists report positive perceptions toward pharmacogenomics (PGx). However, they are currently underprepared to implement PGx into practice, as evidenced by low self-rated knowledge of PGx and limited awareness of common PGx resources.

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