THE ROLE OF PHARMACISTS IN PERSONALISED MEDICINE: A REVIEW OF INTEGRATING PHARMACOGENOMICS INTO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Abstract

This paper explores the transformative role of pharmacists in integrating pharmacogenomics into clinical practice. Pharmacogenomics, the study of genetic influences on drug response, presents an unprecedented opportunity to personalise medication management. The pharmacist's role has evolved from medication dispensing to becoming crucial in interpreting and applying genomic data for optimised therapeutic outcomes. We delve into the foundations of pharmacogenomics, historical milestones, and its applications in clinical practice. The pharmacist's responsibilities include interpreting genetic data, collaborating with healthcare providers, counselling patients, and integrating pharmacogenomics into Medication Therapy Management. Challenges, such as ethical considerations and legal frameworks, are navigated to ensure responsible genomic practice. Education emerges as a cornerstone, with recommendations to enhance genomic literacy through comprehensive educational programs. Ethical considerations highlight the importance of informed consent, privacy safeguards, and equitable access to pharmacogenomic information. The future of pharmacogenomics in pharmacy practice relies on interdisciplinary collaboration, continuous education, and ethical adherence, positioning pharmacists as integral contributors to the personalised medicine landscape. Keywords: Pharmacogenomics, Personalised Medicine, Pharmacy Practice, Genomic Literacy, Interdisciplinary Collaboration.