Pharmacogenomics via Whole-Genome Sequencing in Emergency Departments: Clinical Workflows, Outcomes, and Cost-Effectiveness

Nyiramana Mukamurera P.

Faculty of Medicine Kampala International University Uganda

                                                                 ABSTRACT
The integration of pharmacogenomics through whole-genome sequencing (WGS) into emergency department (ED) workflows represents a transformative approach to precision medicine in acute care. This study examines the clinical feasibility, workflow integration, patient outcomes, and cost-effectiveness of implementing rapid WGS to guide drug selection and dosing in time-critical settings. Pharmacogenomic insights derived from WGS enable clinicians to tailor therapies based on individual genetic profiles, thereby reducing adverse drug events and improving therapeutic efficacy. The study highlights how AI-assisted genomic interpretation and clinical decisionsupport systems can be embedded within existing ED processes without disrupting care delivery timelines. Evidence suggests that a significant proportion of emergency medications are influenced by gene–drug interactions, underscoring the clinical utility of comprehensive genomic testing over targeted panels. Despite operational and ethical challenges including data management, workforce readiness, and consent complexities, WGS-based pharmacogenomics demonstrates strong potential for improving patient safety, optimizing treatment decisions, and supporting rapid risk stratification. Economic analyses indicate that while initial implementation costs are substantial, long-term benefits in reduced adverse events and improved efficiency may offset these
investments. Overall, this approach offers a scalable and forward-looking model for integrating genomics into acute healthcare systems.

Keywords: Pharmacogenomics, Whole-Genome Sequencing (WGS), Emergency Medicine, Clinical Decision Support and Adverse Drug Events.

CITE AS: Nyiramana Mukamurera P. (2026). Pharmacogenomics via Whole-Genome Sequencing in Emergency Departments: Clinical Workflows, Outcomes, and Cost-Effectiveness. Research Output Journal of Public Health and Medicine 6(1):20-29. https://doi.org/10.59298/ROJPHM/2026/612029