MEGAN ENSINGER
Capstone Project Committee: Nancy Callanan, M.S., CGC; Susanne Haga, Ph.D.; Rachel Mills, M.S., CGC
Background: Pharmacogenetic testing is a type of genetic test that can predict an individual’s likelihood to have an adverse or incomplete reaction to a given drug based on individual differences in genes involved in drug response. There is evidence that providers administering these tests have limited knowledge on genetic testing and there is currently a lack of patient educational materials on this topic.
Purpose: The goal of the present study was determine what information about pharmacogenetic testing should be included in an educational video for patients, to create a patient educational video on pharmacogenetics, and to assess public and providers’ perspectives on the novel educational video.
Methods: A primary literature and resource review was conducted to inform content included in the educational video script and the format of the video. The educational video was then created using a commercially available animation program and pilot tested in focus groups of general public participants and by an online survey of pharmacists.
Results: The educational video was set up in a question and answer format and follows an animated patient asking general questions about pharmacogenetics, the process of testing, cost, risks and benefits of testing, etc. Four themes emerged from the general public focus groups and showed that participants wanted more specific examples of medications or conditions for which pharmacogenetic testing may be helpful, and risks of testing presented in context. Pharmacists shared these perspectives on the video content. Focus group participants also expressed preference for a video with live action, and more text to reinforce concepts. Pharmacists generally felt that the video was understandable for patients and relevant for decision-making regarding testing.
Conclusion: The present study produced an educational video for patients with general, unbiased information for patients about pharmacogenetic testing. We have also identified 2 topics that are critical to include in any patient educational video about pharmacogenetic testing. This resource may serve as a useful tool for a variety of healthcare providers an informational foundation for patients on the process of pharmacogenetic testing that can be further discussed in face-to-face counseling.