Scoping the requirements for a genomic competency framework to inform the integration of genomics into pharmacy undergraduate curricula
Authors: Harding S E , Guirguis A , Martini G 
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The application of genomics is due to have a significant impact on the role of pharmacy within future healthcare systems. Since 2021, the updated GPhC education standards have included a requirement to apply the principles of genomics,1 but a lack of consistency across UK pharmacy programmes has led to inequity of genomics literacy for pharmacy students.1

National UK genomic workforce strategies include a pharmacy undergraduate indicative syllabus focussing on upskilling the NHS workforce in readiness for the wider implementation of genomics.2,3 There is a lack of UK research exploring the undergraduate genomic education requirements of pharmacy professionals.

Aim

Scope the requirements of a genomic competency framework for undergraduate pharmacy curricula.

Methods

Ethics approval was obtained from Swansea University ethics committee in July 2023. Fifteen multi-professional stakeholders from across the UK, perceived as genomic experts and/or pharmacy educationalists from each devolved nation, were selected using purposive sampling and all were invited to participate within a virtual semi-structured interview (SSI) and a consecutive focus group. SSIs and the focus group were facilitated and recorded using Microsoft® Teams and pre-designed open question topic frameworks were used. All data was anonymously transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Twelve participants consented and SSIs were held between September/October 2023. Five participants attended the consecutive focus group in December 2023.

Five SSI themes were identified: Competency development - where the need for pharmacists to have comprehensive knowledge of the aspects and factors affecting the use of genomic testing within clinical practice (e.g. research and consent) was identified, whilst others described the need for pharmacists to focus on pharmacogenomics only; Curriculum approach – where there were variations in the depth of general genomic training and appropriate topics needed by pharmacists and the requirement for genomics to be scattered throughout undergraduate programmes; Future practice roles - the current postgraduate pharmacogenomic module could be used to establish the future undergraduate requirements and the need for pharmacy curricula to focus on the application of genomics to medicines rather than as a diagnostic tool; Genomic topics - participants acknowledged the complex nature of determining the genomic undergraduate curricula requirements without routine mainstream use of genomics within clinical practice but suggested pharmacy genomic competencies needing further refinement; Level of knowledge - participants highlighted the need for overall genomic pharmacy knowledge but a deeper level of pharmacogenomic knowledge and recommended that the competency framework should be relevant and achievable across healthcare sectors.

Discussion and conclusion

Genomic competencies should be established for pharmacy professionals as appropriate to their job roles. Once genomics is widely implemented, clarity around genomic competence requirements will develop, following workforce upskilling. The varied backgrounds of study participants impacted their opinions which were potentially influenced by their knowledge of the pharmacist role across sectors and their lack of familiarity with current pharmacy training. Study limitations are small participant numbers and low data generalisability.

A genomic competency framework is needed to standardise pharmacy training and study findings will be used to develop a UK consensus for UK genomic undergraduate pharmacy training.

References

1. General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Initial Education and Training standards. (2021) https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/initial-training [Last accessed 06-6-24]

2. NHSE. Pharmacy Genomic Workforce, education and training strategic framework. (2024) https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/pharmacy-genomics-workforce-education-and-training-strategic-framework/ [Last accessed 06-6-24]

3. Health Education England (HEE). Initial Education and training of Pharmacists: Genomic Medicine Indicative Curriculum. (2023) https://healtheducationengland.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/Comms/Digital/EWwgIUJfA5ZFlfBbuLozUxQBzDPTyBzPZkZ0D_Ds9m-cKw?rtime=St0FoY2M20g [Last accessed 06-06-24]