Survey aims to address research challenges for pharmacists

A nationwide survey has been launched to explore the challenges faced by pharmacy professionals to lead and deliver research.

The survey, led by the University of Leicester, aims to identify the solutions needed to boost research capacity within the profession so that new innovation can be turbocharged for the benefit of patients.

The survey is part of the ongoing work of the new Pharmacy Professionals Incubator, a collaboration among nine UK universities and representatives from various pharmacy sectors, with the goal of increasing research capacity within the profession. The Incubator is supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) as part of the NIHR Incubator programme. The programme aims to build research capacity and develop research careers in areas where there is a need on a national level.

Professor Debi Bhattacharya, from the University of Leicester’s School of Healthcare, is leading the Incubator. 

She said: “Between 2014 and 2021, only 2.7% of NIHR Doctoral Fellowship applications to the NIHR came from pharmacy professionals with the remainder dominated by the medical profession. This highlights the disparity in research engagement and access to research opportunities for pharmacy professionals compared to other healthcare roles.

She added: “There is a need for greater awareness, encouragement, and support for pharmacy professionals to pursue research careers and contribute to healthcare innovation.”

Dave Taylor, a patient/public representative has been working with the team. He highlighted the potential benefits to the public saying: “Pharmacy professionals can help in healthcare research in more ways too - by helping to recruit participants and involving patients in research and co-design activities. Community pharmacy teams could be highly effective at reaching members of the community who may not otherwise have the opportunity to be involved in research studies.”

The survey is open to all UK-registered pharmacists and pharmacy technicians and no research experience is needed. It will collect insights on barriers and enablers to pharmacy professionals engaging with research. 

Professor Bhattacharya said: “There are 90,000 pharmacy professionals, and we want to make sure everyone is given the chance to contribute to decision-making, including both pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. Engagement from diverse roles and sectors is critical to shaping practical and inclusive solutions.” 

Charlotte Jones from the University of Leicester’s School of Healthcare, is a community pharmacist and co-ordinating the Incubator for Pharmacy Professionals.

She said: “Together with findings from our previous studies and working closely with pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and other stakeholders, the survey results will guide the development of a practical, evidence-based strategy to increase research capacity within the pharmacy profession.”