Pharmacogenomics in prescribing: building competence for safer, personalised care
Published: 18 March 2026
This was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.
Pharmacogenomics — the study of how a person’s genetic makeup affects their response to medicines — is becoming increasingly relevant to prescribing practice. As genomic medicine develops across the UK, prescribers need the confidence to recognise when genetic factors may affect treatment decisions, medicine efficacy or the risk of adverse drug reactions.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s (RPS) Pharmacogenomic Resource to Support the Competency Framework for All Prescribers is designed to support prescribers of all professional backgrounds in this evolving area of practice. Sitting alongside the RPS Competency Framework for All Prescribers, it provides structured guidance to help integrate pharmacogenomic principles into everyday prescribing practice safely and responsibly.
Why pharmacogenomics matters for prescribers
Genetic variations between people can affect how their bodies handle medicines. These differences can influence how quickly or slowly certain medicines are broken down, how well the medicine works and the risk of side effects. In certain clinical scenarios, pharmacogenomic testing can help inform medicine choice or dose selection.
For prescribers, competence in pharmacogenomics does not require specialist training in genomics. Rather, it involves:
- Recognising when genetic factors may be clinically relevant
- Understanding how to interpret validated information appropriately
- Applying that information alongside clinical judgement
- Incorporating insights into shared decision-making with patients
Pharmacogenomics aids professional clinical judgement by providing additional evidence to inform prescribing decisions, supporting medicines optimisation and improving patient safety.
Supporting confident implementation across the UK
The RPS Pharmacogenomic Resource is designed for prescribers at all stages of their careers, from those developing their prescribing practice to experienced prescribers expanding their scope.
It reflects the realities of implementation across the UK, including differences in access to pharmacogenomic testing and local service provision. By looking at prescribers’ competencies through a pharmacogenomic lens, the resource supports safe and accountable practice across care settings when pharmacogenomic testing is used.
The need for prescribers to have clear communication with patients remains central. Discussions about genetic testing and treatment options must be handled sensitively, with consideration of cultural and ancestral factors where appropriate. Accurate documentation and information sharing are essential to support continuity of care, particularly as genetic results remain constant even though interpretation may evolve over time.
Looking ahead
Pharmacogenomics is likely to become an increasingly integrated component of prescribing practice in the coming years. By using this resource, prescribers can ensure they are equipped to adapt safely as the use of personalised medicine continues to develop.
By strengthening the understanding of pharmacogenomics within existing prescribing competencies, this resource supports safer, more personalised and evidence-based care.
Explore the RPS Pharmacogenomic Resource to Support the Competency Framework for All Prescribers and learn more about building your competence in pharmacogenomics.
Read more RPS blogs.
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