What were we doing?
Pharmacogenetics is the study of how a person’s genes affect their response to medicines. In this project, called Pharmacogenetic Roll Out – Gauging Response to Service (PROGRESS), we introduced a pharmacogenetics testing and advisory system at several general practices. Our aim was to find out whether genetic testing could be delivered to support genotype-guided prescribing in primary care. 

 

We did a type of study called a process evaluation which collected and analysed qualitative data (words rather than numbers) about PROGRESS to see how well pharmacogenetic testing was being introduced into primary care. 

 

 

Why was it important?
We know that medicines are not always effective for patients or that some patients may experience harmful side effects, while others do not.  This can be due to several factors, but one reason can be because of differences in our DNA, known as genetic variation.  

 

PROGRESS was the first study to focus on how to deliver a pharmacogenetics service within the NHS.  We needed to understand what could make integrating pharmacogenetic testing into general practice easier or more difficult so we could shed light on the structures, resources and processes needed to successfully integrate pharmacogenetic testing into routine practice in primary care. 

 

 

How did we do it?
We did one-off interviews with primary care staff, such as GPs, pharmacists, advanced nurse practitioners and practice managers who were taking part in PROGRESS. We asked them questions to understand their views of pharmacogenetic guided prescribing, including: 

 

•    how they felt it compared to existing care practices
•    how it was used and incorporated into the care of the patient  
•    whether there were any factors that made it easier or more difficult to integrate pharmacogenetic guided prescribing in primary care. 

 

Interviews lasted up to one hour and took place online or over the telephone. 

 

 

What are we doing with the findings?
The information is be reported back which allows for improvements to how pharmacogenetic guided prescribing is being introduced into, and used in, primary care.

 

 

More information

 

 

Programme Manager
Gill Rizzello
gill.rizzello@manchester.ac.uk