Assessing Kansas Pharmacy Preceptors’ Experiences, Knowledge, and Attitudes Toward Pharmacogenomics

Upon successful completion of the PharmD program at KU, exit interviews revealed limited exposure to pharmacogenomics during clinical rotations. Hence, we surveyed Kansas pharmacy preceptors to investigate why and determine the need for continuing education. In this cross-sectional study, a survey was developed through Qualtrics. CORE ELMS was used to identify active pharmacy preceptors in Kansas who provide experiential education, and the survey was disseminated by email to 319 Kansas pharmacy preceptors. Responses were recorded and subgroup analyses were conducted using the chi-square test and Welch’s t-test. Sixty responses were received (18.8% response rate), and 58 were included in the analysis. Preceptors reported limited practical experiences with pharmacogenomics. Hospital preceptors reported seeing more patients with pharmacogenomics test results than community preceptors (65.0% vs. 27.3%, p = 0.0321). Overall, they demonstrated awareness of foundational pharmacogenomics concepts but limited applied confidence. Pharmacists who completed postgraduate training were more comfortable interpreting pharmacogenomics guidelines compared to those who didn’t (2.5429 vs. 1.6522 out of 5, p = 0.0004317). They all showed positive attitudes toward pharmacogenomics, with 83.9% willing to use as part of standard protocols and 93% agreeing pharmacists should lead its implementation. Additionally, they expressed a desire for online (70.2%) and local training (86%). Our results show that use of pharmacogenomics in clinics has been gradually increasing, but Kansas preceptors still exhibited limited experience and confidence levels. Online or local pharmacogenomics educational programs are needed for preceptors and pharmacists to further improve education and integration in clinics.