New pharmacogenomics elearning now live

Pharmacists can learn about how genomics is impacting on their practice, and what they can do in this open access resource

Last month, a new resource was launched to help support pharmacists to apply pharmacogenomics in their practice. The NHS England-funded eLearning was written by University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust’s Medicine Learning Portal team, with NHS Central and South GMSA consultant pharmacist in genomic medicine, Dr Hayley Wickens.

The tutorial is aimed at all pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and trainees working in primary and/or secondary care, and who have limited experience working with pharmacogenomic information. Learners can access the tutorial through the established Medicines Learning Portal website where it can be completed from start-to-finish or in individual sections.

Topics include introductory information around genomics, the NHS Genomic Medicine Service infrastructure and how samples are taken and sequenced, and more in-depth learning around how pharmacogenomics, including how it can affect response to medicines and efficacy. At the end of the tutorial, there are a number of case studies that present various scenarios with pharmacogenomic concerns to aid learning.

Those who have used the resource and wish to leave feedback can do so through this Microsoft Form, made available by the course team.

More support for pharmacists can be found on the Medicines Learning Portal website.