Addressing ethical challenges at the intersection of pharmacogenomics and primary care using deliberative consultations. (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Longo, Cristina; Rahimzadeh, Vasiliki; O'Doherty, Kieran; Bartlett, Gillian
• Is Part Of: Pharmacogenomics. Volume 17:Number 16(2016)
• Page Start: 1795
• Page End: 1805
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: deliberative consultation -- ethics -- pharmacogenomics -- policy -- primary care -- translation; Pharmacogenomics -- Periodicals; 615.1
• DOI: 10.2217/pgs-2016-0092
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-2416

Abstract

Aim: Primary care physicians will play a central role in the successful implementation of pharmacogenomics (PGx); however, important challenges remain. We explored the perspectives of stakeholders on key challenges of the PGx translation process in primary care using deliberative consultations.Methods: Primary care physicians, patients and policy-makers attended deliberations, where they discussed four ethical questions raised by PGx research and implementation in the primary care context.Results: Stakeholders voiced skepticism regarding PGx funding, commercialization, regulation, maintenance of an equal access healthcare system and restructuring of health research incentives and priorities in the public sector.Conclusion: Deliberants developed governing principles for a PGx-specific charter of ethics, aiming to protect the interests of patients, and outlined recommendations for the future of PGx in primary care.