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Implementation Strategies for Precision Medicine

Writer's picture: Patricia CamazzolaPatricia Camazzola

Precision medicine or personalized medicine is an expanded approach to traditional patient care that informs health care providers of prevention strategies and treatments which are more likely to benefit specific individuals based on their genetic characteristics.


Pharmacogenomics is a key component of precision medicine.


Pharmacogenetic testing via a simple cheek swab assists in determining how genes affect a person’s response to medications.


What is needed to effectively implement precision medicine?

1.     Education regarding the clinical utility and benefits of precision medicine/pharmacogenomics

2.     Collaboration amongst health professionals across disciplines and specialty areas

3.     Access to pharmacogenetic testing and pharmacists skilled at results interpretation and possessing the competency needed to translate science into clinical practice

4.     An electronic health record that retains pertinent pharmacogenetic tests results where results follow the patient such that they do not need to be repeated

5.     Clinical decision support tools that foster real time utilization of pertinent test results as medications are selected and doses are determined.

6.     Reimbursement - at times testing is covered by insurance – often it is not.

7.     Patient awareness and consent - when educated regarding the benefits of precision medicine and pharmacogenetic testing, most patients are quick to opt in – often paying out of pocket for services.


While overwhelming, taking steps towards the implementation of precision medicine is well supported in literature and is in the best interest of patients.


 “The vision of precision of medicine is to prescribe the right treatment to the right patient in the right dose at the right time and to expect the optimal outcome.” - David C. Whitcomb, MD, PhD, Dept of Med, Univ of Pittsburgh


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