Impact of Pharmacogenomics on Prescriptive Practices in Rural Health

Abstract

Abstract Background: Variations in one’s genetic structure impact the response to medications. Literature supports the benefits of using pharmacogenetic testing to guide the prescriptive management of patient treatment plans, including decreased costs, decreased polypharmacy, and improved clinical outcomes. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to implement an educational intervention that included training on program development for rural healthcare providers who were using pharmacogenetic testing in patient care. Methods: This DNP project used an extensive literature review and data collected from nurse researchers to collate providers’ thoughts regarding the most beneficial information needed for successful integration of pharmacogenetic testing in rural primary care practices. The resulting data provided the foundation for the project design, which included an educational intervention for providers and training on successful program development. Participants were reached through in-person training or an asynchronous computer-based Continuing Medical Education (CME) program offered by an Area Health Education Center (AHEC). Results: Documented results of the educational intervention suggested an improvement in understanding of the implications of integrating pharmacogenetic testing into patient care in the rural health setting. Implications for Practice: This DNP project aligns with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s Triple Aim of improving the patient experience, reducing costs of care, and improving the quality of health care in populations. The project can be applied to diverse settings, including the rural health population.