Full title: Training and Strategies for the Adoption of Personalized Medicine in Primary Care in the Canary Islands.
Funded by: Fundación Canaria Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (FIISC)
Granted amount: €14,480.00
Duration: 2 years (2025–2026)
Principal investigator: Violeta Cazaña Pérez
Associated researchers: Vanesa Ramos García, Miguel Ángel García Bello, Analía Abt Sacks, Aythami de Armas Castellano, Francisco J. Cuevas Fernández, Carlos A. Flores Infante, Guadalberto J.M. Hernández Hernández, Sara Farráis Villalba
Background:
Personalized medicine (PM) is an emerging approach that tailors treatment to individual patient characteristics, using genetic, environmental, and lifestyle information. Despite its potential, especially in fields such as oncology and chronic diseases, its implementation in primary care (PC) faces considerable barriers. This is particularly true in regions like the Canary Islands, where limited training and resources hinder its adoption. Key barriers include lack of awareness, insufficient resources, and perceived complexity among healthcare professionals.
Objectives:
The project aims to identify barriers and facilitators for implementing PM in PC in the Canary Islands and to develop a tailored training program for healthcare professionals. Using a mixed-methods approach, the perceptions of professionals will be explored through interviews and surveys, and educational modules will be designed to suit the local context.
Methods:
A literature review will be conducted using key databases to identify theoretical barriers and facilitators of PM. This will be followed by a qualitative study involving focus groups and semi-structured interviews with PC physicians and nurses to explore their experiences and perceptions. A quantitative study will also be conducted, surveying over 100 professionals to assess the prevalence of identified barriers and analyze factors such as experience and geographic location. Based on these findings and successful training models, a needs assessment will be carried out to design an appropriate training program. The program will be evaluated using questionnaires to ensure its relevance and effectiveness.
This mixed-methods approach ensures that the training program aligns with local needs and adequately addresses key factors for the adoption of personalized medicine.
Contact person: Violeta Cazaña Pérez (violeta.cazanaperez@sescs.es)