Collaborative Counseling Considerations for Pharmacogenomic Tests

Increased use of pharmacogenomic ( PG x) testing in the clinical setting has revealed a number of challenges to providing this service. PG x is an important component of precision medicine that brings together the fields of genetics and clinical pharmacology. A model that incorporates a multidisciplinary approach to implementation and information delivery may be the most beneficial to patients and providers. In this review, translational considerations in the provision of PG x testing and counseling services are described. Specifically, we report on the selection of PG x tests, the provision of patient education and counseling, and examples of PG x service delivery models that incorporate counseling by pharmacists and genetic counselors. Examples of ancillary risks associated with PG x testing, testing of children, and familial implications of testing are reviewed. Through multispecialty partnerships, including genetic counselors and pharmacists, implementation obstacles to PG x testing can be overcome to provide quality precision medicine to patients.