DNA Care Pathway for Reducing Side Effects

(GREAT PHARM Trial)

This trial explores whether DNA testing (pharmacogenomic testing) can help doctors prescribe medications to reduce side effects, such as falls, in older adults taking multiple medications. Participants will provide a cheek swab for DNA analysis. The trial will compare two groups: one where doctors use DNA results to guide prescriptions and another receiving usual care. It targets individuals over 65 who have experienced a fall. Monthly follow-up calls over six months will track falls, injuries, and medication changes. The goal is to determine if DNA-guided prescriptions can enhance medication safety. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could improve medication safety for older adults.

The trial information does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems the study focuses on using DNA results to guide medication prescribing, so you may continue your current medications unless advised otherwise by your doctor.

Research has shown that DNA testing can help reduce medication side effects by guiding doctors in selecting the right drugs. By examining a patient's genetic makeup, doctors can identify potential drug interactions and side effects before they occur. This enables them to choose safer medications tailored to the individual.

Studies have demonstrated that using DNA information when prescribing can decrease the number of negative side effects patients experience. It acts as a personalized guide, assisting doctors in selecting the best medication plan.

Researchers are excited about pharmacogenomic testing because it tailors medication prescriptions to an individual's genetic makeup, potentially reducing medication side effects and improving efficacy. Unlike current approaches that often rely on trial and error, this method uses genetic insights to guide precise medication choices. This personalized approach helps ensure that patients receive the right drug at the right dose, minimizing adverse reactions and enhancing overall treatment outcomes.

Research has shown that genetic testing can make prescribing medications safer and more effective. In this trial, participants in the Pharmacogenomic-Guided Prescribing pathway will have their medications adjusted based on genetic results, which studies have found can greatly reduce side effects. Specifically, patients who had their medications adjusted based on genetic results experienced better outcomes after just three months. This method helps prevent harmful drug reactions, making it a valuable tool in healthcare. Tailoring prescriptions with DNA testing could also lead to fewer falls and injuries among older adults taking multiple medications. Meanwhile, participants in the Emergency Department care pathway will continue with standard prescribing practices without immediate use of pharmacogenomic results.¹²⁶⁷⁸