• Dr. Kulla Noora

CV

Noora Kulla is a doctoral researcher with a professional background in pharmacy and a research focus on pharmacogenomics. Prior to entering academia, she worked for over a decade as a community pharmacist, where gaining deep insight into real-world drug therapy and patient care. She holds a Master’s degree in Drug Discovery and Development and is currently pursuing her PhD, focusing on implementation of pharmacogenetics in Finland, its current status, benefits and future prospects. Her work aims to advance individualized, evidence-based drug therapy supported by pharmacogenetics, and to understand the perspectives of both patients and healthcare professionals. In addition to research, she is actively involved in science communication and professional development. She serves as the Communications Officer for the Finnish Society of Clinical Pharmacology and contributes to inter-European research collaboration through her role in the EACPT Early Career Clinical Pharmacologists focus group on Pharmacogenetics and Personalized Medicine.

ABSTRACT

“Perceptions of the general public and healthcare professionals on pharmacogenetic testing”

 

Kulla Noora1,2

1 Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland

2 Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland

 

This presentation provides findings from a series survey studies examining the perceptions and experiences of pharmacogenetic testing among the general public and healthcare professionals in Finland. In spring 2024, a web-based survey was distributed to adult pharmacy customers subscribed to electronic newsletters, resulting in nearly 7,000 responses. Generally, respondents expressed high willingness to undergo a pharmacogenetic test, and they considered testing as a necessary tool in planning of their pharmacotherapy. However, several concerns related to pharmacogenetic testing were frequently reported, indicating the need for patient education. The influence of demographic and background factors on perceptions will also be addressed during the presentation. In autumn 2025, similar data will be collected from healthcare professionals, including physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and students in these fields. In this presentation, current use of pharmacogenetics in clinical practice, confidence in applying test results in patient care, and educational needs of these professionals will be discussed. Given the multidisciplinary nature of pharmacogenetic implementation, understanding both public and professional perspectives is essential for integrating these tests effectively into healthcare.