Participant perceived understanding and perspectives toward pharmacogenomics: Mayo Clinic Right Drug, Right Dose, Right Time (RIGHT) Protocol

PURPOSE: To examine predictors of understanding preemptive CYP2D6 pharmacogenomic test results and to identify key features required to improve future educational efforts of preemptive pharmacogenomic testing. METHODS: 1010 participants were surveyed after receiving preemptive CYP2D6 pharmacogenomic test results. RESULTS: Eighty-six percent (n=869) of patients responded. Responders were 98% white, 55% female, 57% had four or more years of post-secondary education, and aged 58.9±5.5 years on average. Among responders, 26% reported they only somewhat understood their results and 7% reported they did not understand them at all. Only education predicted understanding. The most common suggestion for improvement was the use of layperson's terms when reporting results. In addition, responders suggested results should be personalized by referring to medications that they were currently taking. Of those reporting imperfect drug adherence in the past, most (91%) reported they would be more likely to take medication as prescribed if pharmacogenomic information was used to help select the drug or dose. CONCLUSION: Despite great efforts to simplify pharmacogenomic results (or because of them), about one-third of responders did not understand their results. Future efforts need to provide more examples and tailor results to the individual. Incorporation of pharmacogenomics is likely to improve medication adherence.