Provider perceptions on the clinical utility of pharmacogenomics testing: views of psychiatry physicians from an academic center

Provider attitudes on the clinical applicability of pharmacogenomics (PGx) are variable. We investigated psychiatry provider perspectives on PGx testing to gauge familiarity, implementation barriers/facilitators, and educational gaps within the Johns Hopkins Health System (JHHS). A 63-question survey was disseminated to psychiatry attending physicians and trainees practicing at JHHS. The survey queried familiarity with PGx testing, its clinical utility, barriers, benefits, the future landscape of PGx, and improvements in PGx implementation. Responses were categorized using a Likert scale and analyzed with Mann-Whitney non-parametric statistical testing. Within our health system, a minority of respondents were aware of PGx resources and there was mixed comfortability in the utilization and interpretation of PGx results. There were mixed opinions regarding the current clinical benefits of PGx testing but there was a desire for further education/training and strong agreement regarding the increased role of PGx in the future of psychiatric practice. Areas where PGx could be improved for greater clinical integration were also identified. While current PGx perspectives are mixed, there is agreement that PGx will play a greater role in psychiatry, highlighting the importance of PGx education and testing integration within a framework which promotes multi-disciplinary consultation to overcome implementation and interpretation challenges.