Enhancing Patient Outcomes

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Despite strong evidence indicating that pharmacogenomics can enhance healthcare delivery and patient results, healthcare systems in the UK have been slow to embrace genetic testing. A study conducted in 2016 suggests that a lack of awareness regarding the benefits of pharmacogenomics may be a contributing factor. In this study, 12 physicians were surveyed about their perspectives on pharmacogenomics, and after receiving a one-hour presentation on the subject, they were surveyed again.

The results revealed an increase in physicians’ positive attitudes toward pharmacogenomics following the educational presentation. When healthcare professionals comprehend the advantages of precision medicine, they are more likely to support and potentially adopt it.

While pharmacogenomics cannot entirely prevent all adverse drug reactions, any reduction in such reactions can lead to improvements in healthcare outcomes. A study from 2015 estimates that 7 percent of FDA-approved drugs have clinically relevant pharmacogenomic implications, accounting for 18 percent of the 4 billion prescriptions issued in the United States. With more data, this percentage could potentially increase. Even currently, with pharmacogenomic implications for nearly one in five prescription drugs, widespread implementation could significantly enhance outcomes, decrease costs, and save lives.

Recent data has identified numerous specific ways in which pharmacogenomic testing can reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality.

Risk of Rehospitalisation

A study conducted in 2017 assessed the risk of rehospitalisation in 110 patients randomly assigned to either pharmacogenomic testing or a control group receiving typical care. The study revealed that patients classified as CYP2D6 ultrarapid metabolizers faced an elevated risk of rehospitalisation. Pharmacogenomic testing effectively mitigated this risk, reducing the likelihood of rehospitalisation by 52 percent and emergency department utilization by 42 percent at the 60-day mark