Integrating Pediatric Pharmacogenomic Testing Into the Canadian Health Care System

Integrating Pediatric Pharmacogenomic Testing Into the Canadian Health Care System

This project addresses the problem of adverse drug reactions in the three most frequently prescribed therapeutic classes of drugs in children: antibiotics, analgesics, and mental health medications.

We will conduct pilot testing of a pharmacogenomic testing panel and study how the tests and generated test results are utilized and understood by physicians, pharmacists, patients and their families.

The specific objectives are to:

1. Implement a pilot pharmacogenomics program to test medication safety and effectiveness of antibiotics, analgesics and mental health medication to enhance prescribing decision-making.
2. Develop data collection forms to collect necessary patient information from the prescribing physicians.
3. Develop pharmacogenomics reports to return results to physicians, pharmacists, patients and their families.
4. Determine how the tests and results are perceived and utilized by physicians, pharmacists, patients and their families.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants will be enrolled if they can benefit from pharmacogenomic testing. This means their physician is considering the use of a drug that is part of the panels (analgesics, antibiotics, and mental health medication) or they are already using one.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who do not speak or understand English.