Pharmacogenomic resource to support the competency framework for all prescribers

This was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

This resource supports prescribers to build and expand PGx competence, helping them to prescribe safely and effectively using PGx, ultimately improving patient outcomes through medicines optimisation. It should be used alongside the prescribing competency framework as an additional resource.

The resource can be used by any prescriber, in settings across the UK, at any point in their career to underpin professional responsibility for prescribing when using PGx information. It is for all regulators, professional bodies, education providers and healthcare organisations.

Find out more about PGx.

FAQs

Who are these PGx competency resources designed for?

This resource is designed for all prescribers, regardless of professional background or practice setting. They are relevant to:

• Trainee prescribers
• Newly qualified prescribers
• Experienced prescribers
• Prescribers working in settings where pharmacogenomic testing is not yet routinely available
• Prescribers working in services where testing is already implemented
• Educators and organisations developing prescribing programmes.

The resource is intended to support prescribers at any stage of their career to practise safely and confidently where pharmacogenomic information is relevant.

What level of clinical or prescribing experience is expected?

The resource aligns with a Competency Framework for All Prescribers and is applicable across all levels of prescribing experience.

It does not require advanced genomic expertise. Instead, it supports prescribers to understand how pharmacogenomic considerations integrate into existing prescribing responsibilities, including consultation skills, risk-benefit assessment, governance and professional accountability.

Prescribers are expected to work within their scope of practice and local governance arrangements, as with all areas of prescribing.

What knowledge and skills will I develop by using the pharmacogenomics competency resources?

By using this resource, prescribers strengthen their ability to:

• Recognise when pharmacogenomic testing may be relevant to a prescribing decision
• Understand the benefits and limitations of pharmacogenomic information
• Interpret validated test results appropriately using reliable sources
• Communicate clearly with patients about genetic information and its implications
• Use pharmacogenomic findings within their clinical decision-making
• Document and share relevant information safely across care settings.

The focus is on integrating pharmacogenomics into safe, effective and patient-centred prescribing practice.

Do I need any prior understanding of pharmacogenomics before getting started with these materials?

No prior specialist knowledge is required. The resource is designed to build understanding progressively and to contextualise pharmacogenomics within established prescribing competencies to support safe practice.

How do these resources support safe, effective, and personalised prescribing in practice?

Pharmacogenomic information can help prescribers better anticipate variation in treatment response and risk of certain adverse drug reactions.

These resources support prescribers to:

• Consider pharmacogenomic information as part of a holistic clinical assessment
• Strengthen shared decision-making with patients
• Apply evidence-based guidance appropriately
• Maintain clear documentation and communication across care settings.

Clinical judgement remains central to all prescribing decisions. The resource reinforces professional accountability while supporting the safe and responsible use of pharmacogenomic information.

Do the materials include case studies or practical examples to help apply PGx concepts in real‑world settings?

Yes. The resource includes case studies that demonstrate how pharmacogenomic considerations can be applied within routine prescribing scenarios. These examples illustrate how competencies across consultation, prescribing decisions and governance may be demonstrated in practice. 

The case studies are designed to support reflection and discussion, helping prescribers translate principles into real-world clinical contexts.

Does this mean I am expected to offer pharmacogenomic testing in my practice?

No. The competency resource does not require prescribers to initiate pharmacogenomic testing where it is not available or commissioned locally.

Availability of testing varies across the UK and between clinical settings. Prescribers should work within local pathways, governance arrangements and their professional scope of practice.

The resource supports safe and confident use of pharmacogenomic information where it is relevant.

What if pharmacogenomic testing is not available in my area?

Pharmacogenomic implementation is progressing at different stages across the UK. Even where testing is not currently available, the resource supports awareness of when pharmacogenomic considerations may be relevant. This can help prescribers:

• Understand future developments
• Engage in local discussions
• Recognise situations where specialist advice may be appropriate.

It is not necessary for testing to be locally available for the resource to be useful.