RecruitingACTRN12624001073594

Use of pharmacogenomic testing in aged care

Feasibility and clinical utility of implementation of pharmacogenomic testing in aged care

Sponsor

The University of Sydney

Enrollment

200 participants

Start Date

Mar 11, 2025

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

Summary

In this project we will implement a genetic testing service in the residential aged care setting, looking specifically at genes involved in the processing of medications (i.e. pharmacogenomics). The aim of the project is to evaluate the feasibility of implementing this service using the RE-AIM framework. DNA samples of aged care residents will be collected via cheek swabs and sent to a commercial genotyping provider (myDNA) to generate a pharmacogenomic report. The report will be sent to the resident's pharmacist who will interpret it and make a recommendation regarding the resident's medication to their prescriber. Barriers and facilitators to implementing pharmacogenomics will be identified by interviewing stakeholders including residents, clinical staff, pharmacists and prescribers. A cost-benefit analysis will be conducted comparing medication-related harm in residents the did/did not partake in pharmacogenomic testing. We expect to understand the feasibility, clinical and financial utility of implementing pharmacogenomic testing in aged care.

Eligibility

Sex: Both males and femalesMin Age: 18 Yearss

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study looks at whether genetic testing can help improve medication safety for people living in aged care homes. Everyone processes medications differently depending on their genes — some people break down certain drugs too quickly, others too slowly, which can lead to side effects or the medication not working as expected. This type of testing is called pharmacogenomics. Residents of aged care facilities will have their DNA collected with a simple cheek swab. The results are sent to a specialist company that creates a personalised report, which is then reviewed by a pharmacist who advises the resident's doctor on whether any medication changes might be needed. The study will also interview residents, staff, pharmacists, and doctors to understand what makes this kind of testing easy or difficult to roll out. You may be eligible if you are currently living in a residential aged care facility, can communicate in English, and are willing to give consent (or have someone do so on your behalf). This study is about understanding whether this service is practical and worthwhile — it's not testing a new drug.

This is a simplified summary. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

In this project we will implement a genetic testing service in the residential aged care setting, looking specifically at genes involved in the processing of medications (i.e. pharmacogenomics). The intervention is a pharmacogenomic test using a buccal swab. The results of the pharmacogenomic test will be reviewed by the participants’ pharmacist, who upon reviewing the clinical pharmacogenomic report, will make prescribing considerations (e.g. dose adjustments or alternative medication use) to the participants’ prescriber. It is at the prescriber's discretion to follow the recommendation or not. Approximate turnaround time between the pharmacogenomic test and the prescribing considerations being delivered to the prescriber is 3-4 weeks. Changes to medication will be monitored via resident medical records and through data linkage to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.