PhD Studentship: The Integration of Routine Pharmacogenomics Testing Into General Practice in the Norfolk Coast Healthcare Setting (PATELM_U25NNHCFMH)

Primary supervisor - Clinical Associate Prof / Dr Martyn Patel 

Personalised medicine is the art of utilising an individual’s genetic profile in choosing their treatment. For example, how effective a drug may be varies depending on the type of liver enzymes a person produces. This specific area of research is called Pharmacogenomics, or PGx for short. Despite a lot of scientific evidence of potential benefit of PGx, this has not translated into widespread clinical practice in the UK. 

“The mainstreaming of emerging fields such as genomics and artificial intelligence (AI) will change the face of medicine. Advancements must be introduced in a way that involves and engages patients and the public in shaping implementation.”

 ~ from Genome UK: the future of healthcare, available at www.gov.uk

Enhancing the health of coastal populations is also a key health policy (Sir Chris Whitty - CMO Report 2023). Finding new ways to optimise prescribing in this patient group could also have knock on beneficial effects on the local health economy. It is estimated that 6–7% of hospital admissions are due to adverse drug reactions (ADRs), around half of these are thought to be preventable. (Pirmohamed et al. BMJ 2004; 329:15) 

Amplifying the voice of under-served populations in research (such as the North Norfolk coastal population) presents an opportunity to explore how to successfully embed PGx into NHS primary care – what barriers, concerns and practical steps first need to be conquered?

This PhD project will be delivered in two stages:

Stage 1: (a) Evaluate worldwide primary care PGx practice through a systematic review of the available literature, and (b) Explore the integration of routine PGX testing into general practice; its acceptability to patients and professionals drawn from the North Norfolk Coast. This will include the use focus groups and qualitative surveys of the North Norfolk coastal population, and interviews with local GPs and community pharmacists. Analysis of local prescribing datasets to calculate the potential number of PGx modifiable prescriptions.

Stage 2 – The successful candidate would then be expected to work with local health and / or county council teams to develop and pilot a PGx services to further enhance health of the coastal population Either through the design of generic digital solution / pathway to deliver PGx results as part of structured medication reviews or work with regional NHS bodies such as Genomics East on a condition specific pathway (e.g. antiplatelets in stroke) with a high prevalence in this community.

Entry requirements 

This project will suit applicants with either an MPharm or a primary or MSc degree in Biological Sciences, Behavioural Science, Public Health, or other relevant disciplines, or equivalent professional or research experience in Health Service Delivery Research. The successful applicant should be well organised, have well developed inter-personal skills and enjoy teamwork. Experience and knowledge of qualitative methodologies and/or intervention development will be an asset, although training will be provided. UK driving licence holder as key components of the project will be delivered at various NHS sites on the North Norfolk coast, and therefore delivery of the project would not be compatible within existing public transport links.

Start date: 1 February 2025

Funding Details

Additional Funding Information

This 3-year PhD project is jointly funded by the Norfolk & Norwich Hospitals Charity and the Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, UEA. Funding includes Home fees, an annual stipend of £19,237, and travel expenses.

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