(1253) Public Perceptions of Pharmacogenomic Testing in the State of Alabama

Objectives: Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing, a component of personalized medicine, provides the opportunity to tailor treatment based on individual genomic variability. Despite its potential, there is limited insight into the current knowledge and understanding of pharmacogenomic testing among the public. A recent survey, published in 2022 by Zhang and colleagues, reported public attitudes toward pharmacogenomic testing in Minnesotans; however, limitations of this published paper include the convenience sample being predominantly insured patients with high health literacy and access to healthcare, high education levels, and small numbers of individuals with a minority background. The purpose of this research is to gain insight into the current knowledge and understanding of pharmacogenomic testing for residents of the state of Alabama. Our objectives include assessing the familiarity and favorability of pharmacogenomic testing, describing potential barriers to its adoption, and determining potential implications for healthcare decision-making among Alabamians.

Methods: To achieve our objectives, we have developed a comprehensive research plan that includes a diverse representation of the population of the state of Alabama. Our survey design draws from existing research conducted by Zhang and colleagues but incorporates diverse settings to address demographic, socioeconomic, and urban/rural diversity. Multisite implementation through dual IRB approval from Auburn University (AU) and the University of South Alabama (USA) will enhance demographic representation. Project investigators were selected strategically to include a variety of clinic types and settings. Recruitment for this study will primarily occur through pre-existing clinical and community pharmacy interactions across a diverse range of settings, including community and ambulatory care pharmacies, and among insured and uninsured patients. The survey will run in two phases to correlate with AU and USA IRB approvals. The initial “run in” phase will be conducted at AU-covered entities including the AU Employee Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Care Center, and Health Care and Education Clinic. The second phase will begin following the subsequent USA IRB approval and final review by AU IRB due to required external site authorizations at external sites which include the USA Health Physician’s Group, Student Run Free Clinic, and Mobile Diagnostic Center in Mobile, AL, and the Mercy Medical Clinic in Auburn, AL.

Participants will complete a survey independently on their personal devices through a scannable QR code, with written copies available as needed for those unwilling or unable to utilize a personal device. The survey, conducted via Qualtrics over 45 days, will be optional and anonymous, with participants having the option to skip personal health questions. The survey is anticipated to take 10-20 minutes per participant, calculated based on the patient completing all available questions. All participants will be 18 years or older. No personally identifying information will be retained. Duplicate responses will be filtered, and investigators will refrain from answering participant questions to ensure an unbiased representation of pharmacogenomic knowledge.

Results: AU IRB approval (Protocol #23-470 EX 2309) was obtained beginning 09/21/23, with survey dissemination to begin immediately at AU-covered entities. The results of this study will be used to present the comparative data between the state of Alabama and the results published by Zhang and colleagues in “Public Attitudes Toward Pharmacogenomic Testing and Establishing a Statewide Pharmacogenomics Database in the State of Minnesota.” Quantitative findings will be analyzed after data collection concludes and completed prior to March 1, 2024, to allow for presentation at APhA2024.

Conclusions: This research remains in progress at the time of abstract submission. Results will be used to demonstrate the feasibility of preemptive PGx testing coverage in Alabama health insurance plans to increase medication efficacy, reduce medication toxicity, and optimize patient outcomes. Data generated will facilitate the planning of future research and PGx implementation through funded projects.