Supporting large-scale PGx trial design
We worked with Ulster University and partners to support the implementation of pharmacogenomics within the iMPROVE project, a cross-border research trial focused on safer and more effective prescribing in primary care.
The challenge
iMPROVE is an ambitious programme working across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland. It aims to combine structured medicines review with pharmacogenomic testing, helping clinicians use genetic information alongside other clinical factors to support prescribing decisions.
Delivering this kind of programme is complex. It requires clear operational pathways, consistent clinical guidance, safe return of results, practical digital infrastructure, and alignment across different healthcare systems, professional groups and governance environments.
What we did
We were engaged to provide external challenge and implementation-focused support at a critical stage of programme design.
We reviewed programme documents, interviewed stakeholders across the three jurisdictions, and facilitated an in-person workshop with clinical, digital, operational and programme leads. We used this process to identify practical risks, test assumptions and clarify what would be needed to deliver pharmacogenomics safely and consistently in routine primary care.
Our final report focused on the areas most important for implementation: pathway design, stakeholder alignment, pharmacogenomic knowledge base governance, report design, digital infrastructure, data flows and training.
The impact
The project helped the iMPROVE team move from a broad programme concept toward a clearer implementation model.
We recommended practical next steps including a defined end-to-end operational pathway, a shared programme narrative, a governed pharmacogenomics knowledge base, a PDF-first return-of-results model, and a safe digital foundation that could support future EHR and clinical decision support integration.
This gave the programme a clearer route for moving into delivery while preserving longer-term options for scalable digital implementation.
Why it matters
Pharmacogenomics can support safer prescribing, but the value depends on how well results are designed, governed and used in real clinical settings.
This project shows how we support partners to de-risk complex genomic programmes, align stakeholders, and turn implementation ambition into practical delivery plans.