MDD Treatment Selection: Online CME Illustrates Best Practices in Discussing Pharmacogenomic Testing with Patients

This study examined whether an online CME clinical demonstration module can improve learners’ self-reported clinical behaviors related to management of MDD, identifying patients who may benefit from pharmacogenomic testing (PGx), interpreting the results and incorporating data into clinical decision-making, communicating benefits and limitations of PGx to patients.

Clinicians participated in a 20-minute online activity with videos portraying realistic physician-patient interactions followed by expert commentaries. Performance was assessed at 30-60 days post-education. Learners in the first 3 months were invited to complete a survey identifying practice changes. Respondent's reported possible practice whether they were implementing for the first time or had modified it due to education, already doing it prior to education, or not doing it before or after education. They also indicated barriers they experience “some” of the time for each practice. Results included increased knowledge and confidence in utilizing PGx in real world clinical practice for treatment guidance in patients with MDD.

Clinical practice changes in this assessment provide compelling evidence that participation in CME prompts adoption of changes in practice related to improved use of PGx in treatment of patients with MDD.