Community pharmacists' attitudes towards research

Objectives To investigate community pharmacists' perception of Pharmacy Practice research and to identify perceived barriers preventing their participation in research. Method A self-completed postal questionnaire, including 29 attitudinal statements was analysed using factor analysis. Setting The study group comprised pharmacists working in all 651 community pharmacies in East London and Essex. Key findings The response rate was 60 per cent. Factor analysis revealed five factors comprising correlated statements. The majority of respondents perceived community based practice research to be important and relevant to them and to the future development of community pharmacy. Fifty-four per cent agreed that they were prepared to participate in practice research, although 66 per cent of respondents felt their daily activities precluded this. Payment for a research related activity was a major issue impacting on their likely participation, with 72 per cent of pharmacists agreeing that they would only participate if paid to do so. Pharmacists' employment status, ie, whether employee or proprietor, was also associated with willingness and ability to undertake research. Conclusion Community pharmacists have a positive attitude towards practice research, and under the appropriate circumstances many would be prepared to participate in research.