Integration of pharmacogenetic principles as a core thread in the undergraduate pharmacy curriculum.

摘要

Introduction: Pharmacy education needs to focus on pharmacogenetics/pharmacogenomics as a key area in futureudpharmacy practice.udModule Description: A series of science-focused lectures, including one on the ethical, legal and social implicationsud(ELSI) of pharmacogenetics/pharmacogenomics, and laboratory practical sessions were delivered to first year students.udLaboratory sessions were conducted to isolate genetic material from class participants, identify three variant genotypesudwithin this population and demonstrated the implications of this genetic diversity for prescribing.udAssessment Method: Students submitted a report, structured as an academic paper, documenting the study results andudthe implications of pharmacogenetics/pharmacogenomics for patient care.udEvaluation: Focus groups comprising students evaluated the module as useful for furthering their understanding ofudpharmacogenetics/pharmacogenomics in practice. Of particular value was (1) receiving the module in year 1 as audfundamental part of the MPharm programme, (2) utilising laboratory methods and using students’ own genetic materialudand (3) integrating ELSI into the module.udFuture Plans: Pharmacogenetic implications will be built upon throughout the integrated curricula of the pharmacyudcourse to further develop the student awareness of personalized medicines. Extended awareness of the clinicaludimplications of pharmacogenetics/pharmacogenomics and associated ELSI has been built into a second yearudinterprofessional education (IPE) workshop facilitated by clinical geneticists and involving both pharmacy and medicaludstudents.