Low adoption of pharmacogenetic testing: an exploration and explanation of the reasons in Australia

Abstract

The research reported here sought to identify and illuminate the reasons for the low adoption of pharmacogenetic tests in Australia. The research initially established possible reasons and propositions drawn from previous studies and surveys on the problem in Europe and the literature on the adoption of innovations. A small-scale exploratory, qualitative study was undertaken in one state in Australia; clinicians and other stake-holders were interviewed about their use of or support for pharmacogenetic tests. The expected, quite extensive individual factors known to influence adoption and rejection of innovations were found to be present in the situations covered. The reasons for nonadoption that were found in previous surveys were also supported. Some other, possibly critical, reasons were also identified. The implications from this initial exploration are discussed and the prospects for the increased use of the tests proposed.