Adoption of Pharmacogenomic Testing by US Physicians: Results of a Nationwide Survey

TLDR

The study aimed to create a benchmark of U.S. physicians’ knowledge and use of pharmacogenomic testing through an anonymous, cross‑sectional, fax‑based national survey. A 3 % response rate (10,303 of 397,832 physicians) provided representative data, and factors influencing testing decisions were examined with χ² tests and multivariate logistic regression. While 97.6 % of respondents acknowledged genetics affect drug response, only 10.3 % felt adequately informed, 12.9 % had ordered a test in the past six months, 26.4 % plan to order soon, and just 29 % had received pharmacogenomic education, underscoring a need for improved physician training.

Abstract

To develop a benchmark measure of US physicians' level of knowledge and extent of use of pharmacogenomic testing, we conducted an anonymous, cross-sectional, fax-based, national survey. Of 397,832 physicians receiving the survey questionnaire, 10,303 (3%) completed and returned it; the respondents were representative of the overall US physician population. The factors associated with the decision to test were evaluated using χ2 and multivariate logistic regression. Overall, 97.6% of responding physicians agreed that genetic variations may influence drug response, but only 10.3% felt adequately informed about pharmacogenomic testing. Only 12.9% of physicians had ordered a test in the previous 6 months, and 26.4% anticipated ordering a test in the next 6 months. Early and future adopters of testing were more likely to have received training in pharmacogenomics, but only 29.0% of physicians overall had received any education in the field. Our findings highlight the need for more effective physician education on the clinical value, availability, and interpretation of pharmacogenomic tests. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2012); 91 3, 450–458. doi:10.1038/clpt.2011.306