What are 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 are introducing a pharmacogenetics testing and advisory system at several general practices. Our aim is to find out whether genetic testing can be delivered to support genotype-guided prescribing in primary care. 

 

We are doing a type of study called a process evaluation which collects and analyses qualitative data (words rather than numbers) about PROGRESS to see how well pharmacogenetic testing is being introduced into primary care. 

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

•    how they feel that it compares to existing care practices
•    how it is used and incorporated into the care of the patient  
•    whether there is anything that makes it easier or more difficult to integrate pharmacogenetic guided prescribing in primary care. 

 

Interviews will last up to one hour and take place online or over the telephone. 

 

 

What will we do with the findings?
The information we gather will be reported back allowing improvements to how pharmacogenetic guided prescribing is introduced into, and used in, primary care.

 

 

More information

 

 

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