In this episode, hosts Hayley Berry and Jo Lane take us into the fascinating and rapidly evolving world of genomics in pharmacy.

Joining the conversation are three leading experts: Emma Groves, pharmacy lead at NHS North East and Yorkshire Genomic Medicine Service Alliance; Catherine Tucker, senior clinical pharmacist at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; and Hayley Wickins, consultant pharmacist in Genomic Medicine at NHS Central and South Genomics. 

Genomics is transforming healthcare, offering the potential for personalised medicine tailored to an individual’s genetic makeup. Pharmacy professionals are at the forefront of this revolution, integrating genomic insights into their practice to optimise treatment and improve patient outcomes. 

The discussion explores:

• The basics of genomic medicine and pharmacogenomics, with practical examples.
• How genomics is influencing personalised treatment, including for conditions like cancer and cardiovascular disease.
• The role of pharmacy teams in implementing genomic testing and supporting patients.
• Key projects, such as the PROGRESS clinical trial, and insights into how pharmacy professionals can get involved in this exciting field. 

The guests share their journeys, practical advice, and resources for pharmacy professionals to enhance their genomic literacy and engage with this groundbreaking area of healthcare. 

Learning outcomes

• Describe the principles of genomic medicine and pharmacogenomics, including how genetic variations influence a person’s response to medicines and the implications for personalised care. 
• Recognise examples of pharmacogenomic testing and explain how genomic insights can optimise treatment and reduce medication-related harm. 
• Evaluate the resources and training opportunities available to enhance genomic literacy and implement strategies to integrate genomic medicine into pharmacy practice.

Resources mentioned 

British Oncology Pharmacy Association  

CPPE:Introduction to genomics in pharmacy e-learning  

CPPE:Genomics in pharmacy: an introduction to person-centred consultations e-learning

Medicines Learning Portal, Pharmacogenomics

National Genomics Education Programme (NHS England)  

NHS Genomic Networks of Excellence

NHS North West Genomic Medicine Service Alliance, PROGRESS project 

Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Pharmacogenomics – the future of pharmacy

UK Clinical Pharmacy Association, Genomics community

In our next episode… we will focus on deprescribing. 

Had a listen? Let us know what you think. 

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