Dissertation
Pharmacogenomic testing: Transforming antidepressant prescribing in primary care
University of Iowa
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
Spring 2025
Abstract
Background: Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing is an emerging clinical tool that supports personalized medication management by identifying genetic variations that influence individual drug metabolisms. In primary care settings, this approach may improve the efficacy of antidepressant prescribing and reduce adverse effects, particularly in patients with treatment-resistant depression.Purpose: The purpose of this project was to implement pharmacogenomic testing in a rural primary care clinic and evaluate its impact on and provider confidence, knowledge, and attitudes to help improve antidepressant prescribing for adults with major depressive disorder. Methods: This evidence-based practice project followed the Iowa Model Framework for implementation. It was conducted in a rural primary care clinic in Iowa with a sample of 10 primary care providers. The intervention included an educational session on pharmacogenomic testing and clinical integration. A 5-point Likert scale survey was used to assess provider knowledge, confidence, and attitude scores pre- and post-intervention.Findings: While 520 patients were eligible for testing, only 24 tests were ordered, resulting in a 4.6% uptake rate. Providers demonstrated increased confidence (+1.5 points), knowledge (+1.6 points), and attitudes (+0.5 points) after the educational intervention. Post-education confidence and knowledge increased slightly further, while attitude scores remained stable. Among patients who underwent testing, 96% received appropriate follow-up, and 76% had at least one medication change informed by PGx test results 40% were switched to a new medication and 36% had a dose adjustment. Discussion: The successful implementation of PGx testing in a rural primary care setting supports its clinical feasibility and potential to enhance antidepressant prescribing. This project highlights the value of PGx testing in improving personalized mental health care and may serve as a model for broader integration in similar underserved settings.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Pharmacogenomic testing: Transforming antidepressant prescribing in primary care
- Creators
- Jenna Westendorf - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Larry Newman (Chair) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Poster
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
- Date degree season
- Spring 2025
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 1 page
- Copyright
- Copyright 2025 Jenna Westendorf
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Nursing; Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects
- Record Identifier
- 9984841036502771
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