A Program to Increase Research Productivity Among Hospital Pharmacists. (June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nazer, Lama H.; Tuffaha, Haitham; Jaddoua, Saad
• Other Names: Millares-Sipin Catherine A. guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of pharmacy practice. Volume 30:Number 3(2017:Jun.)
• Page Start: 336
• Page End: 341
• Publication Date: 2017-06
• Subjects: pharmacy education -- research -- hospital; Pharmacy -- Periodicals; Pharmacology -- Periodicals; 615.1
• DOI: 10.1177/0897190016645432
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0897-1900

Abstract

Objective: To describe the development, implementation, and outcomes of a structured research training program that aimed to increase the research productivity among hospital pharmacists. Methods: The program was conducted in a step-wise approach and started with educational sessions on evidence-based medicine and research methods. After about a year, pharmacists were trained and mentored on how to conduct and publish a research project. We evaluated the number of research projects and publications for the pharmacy department before and after the implementation of the program. Results: In the 5 years prior to implementing the program, there were a total of 4 institutional review board (IRB) proposals, 4 abstracts, and 2 manuscripts, which had pharmacists as primary investigators. After 5 years of running the program, there were 24 pharmacist-initiated research proposals submitted to the IRB, 29 abstracts, and 11 published manuscripts. The major challenges were the lack of sufficient time and the extensive training and mentorship required. Conclusion: Implementing a structured pharmacy research program at a hospital setting was feasible and was associated with an increase in the pharmacist-led research and publications. The success of such a program requires training and mentorship, strong commitment, and administrative support.