Date of Award
Spring 5-24-2025
Document Type
Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscript
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Autumn Roque, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Abstract
Objective: This scholarly project aimed to enhance psychiatric providers' competency, confidence, and knowledge in the PHASER pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing program at the VA San Diego Healthcare System.
Background: PGx testing enhances psychiatric care by enabling precise medication management tailored to a patient’s genetic profile, improving treatment effectiveness and reducing adverse drug reactions. Despite demonstrated clinical utility, adoption of PGx remains limited due to provider knowledge gaps. This project addresses these gaps through targeted education.
Methods: Two educational modules, developed with input from the PHASER site-lead, aimed to enhance provider knowledge and confidence in PGx. Module one introduced the PHASER program and PGx applications, while the second utilized case studies to illustrate PGx’s clinical utility. Pre- and post-assessments measured provider knowledge, competence, and confidence, while PGx test utilization data assessed the initiative's impact.
Results: Analysis demonstrated improved provider competence and confidence in PGx application. Statistically significant competence gains occurred in PGx principles (p = 0.040), informed consent (p = 0.026), and ethical considerations (p = 0.011). Providers reported significantly greater confidence in applying PGx testing (p = 0.018) and communicating results (p = 0.028); however, improvements in managing concerns did not reach significance (p = 0.16). Knowledge scores increased from 86 to 94 percent, reflecting a 7.33% improvement (p = 0.039).
Conclusion: This project demonstrated the effectiveness of targeted education in enhancing PGx adoption in psychiatric care. These findings also highlight the intervention’s effectiveness in enhancing provider confidence, competence, and knowledge in PGx application.
Keywords: Pharmacogenomics, major depressive disorder, clinical psychiatry, PGx testing, Veterans Health Administration, PHASER, healthcare provider education, quality improvement
Digital USD Citation
Boulanger, Marc, "Optimizing Psychiatric Care through Pharmacogenomics: An Evidence-Based Program to Increase Multi-gene Pharmacogenomic Testing and Provider Competence in Mental Health Settings" (2025). Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts. 305.
https://digital.sandiego.edu/dnp/305
Copyright
Copyright held by the author
Included in
Medical Education Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Commons
