[Barriers for Implementation of PGx Testing in Psychiatric Hospitals in Germany: Results of the FACT-PGx Study].

Abstract

Objective: The FACT-PGx study was conducted to analyze barriers to implementation of pharmacogenetic testing in psychiatric hospitals in Germany and to propose solutions for its faster and easier implementation in all hospitals.

Methods: 104 patients (50% female) were genotyped and participated in the study. 67 completed a survey. To analyze the correlation between continuous data (age) of the survey, the wilcoxon rank test and for categorial data (education level, history of treatment and episodes), t-test was used.

Results: No patient declined to be genotyped. 99% believed that genotyping could help to shorten their hospital stay. Patients >40 years of age and with higher educational levels were willing to pay for the PGx (p=0.009). On average, patients were willing to pay 117.42€ +/-140.49€ and to wait 15.83+/- 8.92 days for the results. Processes differed significantly between routine laboratory screening and PGx testing which could be a barrier for implementation.

Conclusion: Patients are not barriers to but enablers of an implementation of PGx. New process flows can be barriers, but can be overcome by optimization.