Introduction
The latter half of the 20th century witnessed significant advances in scientific understanding of the link between a person's genes and their response to medication. The term 'pharmacogenetics' was first used to describe clinical observations of inherited difference in response to medicines in the 1950s. It has been suggested that pharmacogenetics may be one area where the profession of pharmacy can play an important role in terms of providing information to the public and the development of new services. The aim of this study is to find out what community pharmacists currently understand about developments in pharmacogenetic testing technologies and what they predict to be the effects of these on their practice.

Method
Ten in-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with community pharmacists working in a variety of commercial and organisational environments. An interview guide was developed based on findings from the literature. Interview topics included pharmacists' experiences of extending their roles in a community setting, and the opportunities and barriers presented to them when doing so. Respondents were asked to describe what they currently know about pharmacogenetics, they were then given a short definition of pharmacogenetics and some of its future implications and invited to consider the possible implications for their practice. The interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim and analysed using the constant comparative technique to identify emerging themes.

Results
All pharmacists had limited knowledge of pharmacogenetics and emerging technologies in this field. After considering the information given to them regarding pharmacogenetics and its potential implications, the majority of respondents in this study expressed positive opinions about their ability to become involved in offering services in this area when the technology becomes available in primary care. However, all found it hard to visualise what their precise role may be. All respondents mentioned barriers which may limit any potential role expansion within pharmacogenetics. These included time and financial pressures, staffing issues, supervision and personal control and training and competence issues.

Conclusion
Pharmacists had little knowledge of pharmacogenetics, suggesting that strategies to engage practicing pharmacists in this field are needed. It is not surprising that respondents found it difficult to envisage potential opportunities for pharmacists to become involved in pharmacogenetics considering this low level of knowledge, though promising that optimism was expressed for potential role extension in this area. Preparing pharmacists for the demands of pharmacogenetics and associated testing services must involve more than simply the acquisition of knowledge on this subject. Greater access to patients' medical records and increased collaboration with prescribers will be essential.