Clinician Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Regarding Pharmacogenomics

Abstract

Background: Pharmacogenomics has the potential to optimize prescribing by individualizing drug selection and dosing; however, its integration into routine clinical practice remains limited due to clinician- and system-level barriers. Objective: To assess clinician knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding pharmacogenomics, with a focus on prescribing confidence, perceived utility, implementation barriers, and training needs. Methods: A cross-sectional observational survey was conducted among prescribing healthcare professionals across multiple clinical settings in Karachi. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing pharmacogenomics knowledge, perceived utility, prescribing confidence, barriers to implementation, and training exposure. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with high prescribing confidence. Results: Although most clinicians perceived pharmacogenomics as clinically valuable, fewer than one-third reported high prescribing confidence. Knowledge level, prior pharmacogenomics training, access to pharmacist consultation, and decision-support resources were independently associated with greater confidence. Cost and turnaround time were commonly reported barriers but were not independently associated with prescribing confidence. Conclusion: Bridging the gap between pharmacogenomics awareness and confident prescribing requires targeted education, interdisciplinary support, and clinical decision-support integration rather than reliance on cost or infrastructure improvements alone.