Determining support for and barriers to pharmacist‐driven research: Results of a national survey. Issue 12 (28th September 2021) - O'Brien, Kathryn M.
Abstract: Introduction: Active engagement in research and scholarly output is challenging for pharmacists following residency training. Objectives: To determine the current structure of institutional support for pharmacy research, describe barriers to increasing staff research support and scholarly output, and benchmark best practices. Methods: A national survey was developed and distributed to the Vizient Consortium Director of Pharmacy listserv. The survey was conducted between October 2, 2019 and January 31, 2020 and incorporated 23 base questions assessing seven domains: financial support, study design/conduct support, interdisciplinary support, staff incentives, pharmacy research oversight, best practices, and barriers to research support. Results: The survey was distributed to 253 directors of pharmacy and 49 (19%) distinct responses were obtained. Most responders (71%) reported less than 25% of clinical staff were involved in research. Responses indicated most departmental research was driven by residents: 43% reported postgraduate year one (PGY1) and postgraduate year two (PGY2) residents were responsible for at least 75% of research projects. The greatest barriers to conducting research included time (72%), funding (33%), and knowledge/experience (32%). Research support included access to statisticians for data analysis (63%) or study design (57%), development of a pharmacy research committee (55%), and financial support or stipends (45%). Conclusion: Despite institutional financial and educational support, the most commonly reported barriers to conducting pharmacy research were time, funding, and knowledge or experience of staff pharmacists.