Value of Genetics-informed Drug Dosing Guidance in Pregnant Women: A Needs Assessment with Obstetric Healthcare Providers at Johns Hopkins

In order to better understand the potential value of genetics-informed drug dose guidance to obstetric healthcare providers at Johns Hopkins we administered a web-based needs assessment survey. The survey included questions about: 1) experience with adjusting drug doses during pregnancy; 2) comfort prescribing medications to pregnant women with chronic conditions; 3) awareness and use of genetics-informed dosing guidance; and 4) perceived value of access to services to provide genetics-informed dosing guidance. Among thirty-one respondents, 81% indicated an interest in access to genetics-informed drug dose guidance, particularly a mobile or electronic health record (EHR) application. It was indicated, however, that genetics is one of many characteristics that influence dose adjustments during pregnancy. This study motivates future research to help obstetric healthcare providers tailor drug dose to individual patients based upon models integrating multiple patient characteristics, including genetics.