PT-029 - BUILDING A TELEHEALTH PHARMACOGENETIC TESTING PROGRAM IN RURAL AND PEDIATRIC PSYCHIATRY.

S. Killam¹, K. Brown¹, J. Basic-Reiniger¹, H. Blackburn¹, C. Schwanke², J. Loveland², A. Elias², E. Woodahl¹; ¹University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA, ²Shodair Children's Hospital, Helena, MT, USA.

Background: Children living in rural areas have limited access to mental health services and experience alarmingly high rates of depression and suicide. Pharmacogenetic testing in these communities is even more inaccessible.

Methods: We partnered with the leading pediatric mental health treatment facility in our state to address inaccessibility by implementing a telehealth-based pharmacogenetics testing service at our university. We used findings from a previous qualitative research study to inform the development of this telehealth-centered model. We generated educational materials, identified study endpoints of interest to research and clinical stakeholders, and developed satisfaction surveys for patients and providers.

Results: Our pharmacogenetic testing program is led by pharmacists and researchers providing consultations and information to patients and providers. An educational video was developed to inform patients about pharmacogenetic testing and the consultation process1. Study endpoints such as clinical resource usage (e.g. emergency room visits, readmission rates, changes in medication therapy), therapeutic efficacy (e.g. PHQ-9, GAD scores), and health economic measurements are assessed monthly. Brief post-consultation surveys are completed by patients and providers. More extensive surveys are given to providers quarterly to assess program satisfaction. The results from these surveys are used to refine the program as needed.

Conclusion: We have launched a pharmacogenetics implementation program in a psychiatric pediatric facility serving rural and underserved patients across our state. Our goal is to provide a centralized hub for delivery of pharmacogenetics statewide and serve as a model for other areas aiding geographically dispersed populations.

Pharmacogenetics - Skaggs Institute for Health Innovation. KPCN. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00HWNRx5Uqg (2021). Website. Accessed 14 September 2022