Pharmacists’ views on involvement in pharmacy practice research: Strategies for facilitating participation

Abstract

*In order for community pharmacy practice to continue to evolve, pharmacy practice research on potential new services is essential. This requires the active participation of community pharmacists. At present the level of involvement of community pharmacists in pharmacy practice research is minimal. Objectives: To ascertain the attitudes of a group of research-experienced community pharmacists towards participating in research; to investigate the barriers and facilitators to participation; to identify potential strategies to increase the involvement of community pharmacists in research. Methods: A focus group was conducted with a purposive sample of 11 research-experienced community pharmacists. A pharmacist academic moderated the focus group using a semi-structured interview guide. The participants were asked about their attitudes towards research, previous involvement in research, barriers to their involvement and strategies to overcome these barriers. The session was audio-taped and notes were taken by an observer. Thematic analysis of the notes and audio-tape transcripts was conducted. Results: Three themes emerged around pharmacists' attitudes towards research: pharmacists' perception of the purpose of research, pharmacists' motivation for involvement in research, and pharmacists' desired role in research. Barriers to research participation were grouped into four themes: pharmacists' mindset, communication, infrastructure (time, money and staff), and skills/knowledge. Strategies to address each of these barriers were suggested. Conclusions: Participants recognised the importance of research towards advancing their profession and this was a motivating factor for involvement in research. They perceived their role in research primarily as data collection. A series of practical strategies to overcome the barriers to participation were offered that researchers may wish to consider when promoting research outcomes and designing research projects.

Japanese Community Pharmacists’ Barriers to Conducting or Participating in Practice Research

“…In a systematic review of 15 studies completed in the UK, Australia, and Canada, the barriers were: lack of time and workload; insufficient or lack of funds; and lack of research knowledge, training, mentorship, and support. [3] Armour et al reported the barriers to research participation were pharmacists' mindsets, communication, infrastructure (time, money, and staff), and skills/knowledge [12]. In Japan, community pharmacists have similar barriers to practice research participation.…”

The willingness of community pharmacists to participate in a practice-based research network

“…where pharmacists could read about upcoming research projects and sign up to receive e-mails on research topics of interest as one possible way of raising awareness and promoting participation. 14 An Internet-based network for pharmacists interested in research might address some of the barriers preventing pharmacists from becoming involved in research and make them more willing to take part in research projects.…”

Role of the Practitioner–Researcher in Pharmacy Practice

“…2 This unpreparedness may be due to their mind-set, knowledge and skills, as well as infrastructure requirements. 2 Can some of these barriers be addressed in undergraduate pharmacy programs?…”

“…An estimated 50% of patients with chronic disease do not take their medicines as prescribed. 1,2 Despite an extensive and evolving literature on adherence, and a focus in professional practice, the extent of nonadherence has changed little in four decades. This has significant ramifications for health outcomes and resources.…”

“…Few trials have demonstrated benefits from interventions targeted at intentional non-adherence, and successful interventions are complex and resource intensive. 2,8 To reduce intentional non-adherence we need to elicit and engage with the patient's beliefs.…”