Pharmacy professional’s research readiness in practice: findings from four co-produced cross-sectional surveys within NHS health trusts in England

OBJECTIVES: Assess individual hospital-based pharmacy professionals' (PP) research readiness (experience, skills, knowledge, capacity, capability). METHODS: A cross-sectional service evaluation study was conducted with practicing PPs across four NHS mental health trusts within the West and East Midlands region of England between February and June 2024. Each participating trust administered an identical online survey (adapted from a previous published research readiness survey) to their pharmacy teams. The survey captured participant characteristics, included mixed open and closed questions, and data related to research skills/knowledge, experience, confidence, and barriers to research engagement. This paper presents pooled analysis of these surveys with data descriptively analysed using SPSS software, and free text data analysed using content analysis by NVivo software. KEY FINDINGS: A total of 164 PPs were eligible to participate, with 88 professionals (54%) completing the surveys. Most reflected positive views on the value and relevance of research to pharmacy practice, with 74% agreeing that research should be incorporated into professional development. However, only 33% reported research experience and low confidence was expressed in the ability to conduct research-related activities. Free text responses identified four themes focusing on the benefits and relevance of research to practice, questions about research, and barriers to research engagement. CONCLUSIONS: Participants acknowledged the value, relevance, and benefits of research to pharmacy practice. However, several barriers were identified with gaps in research skills and confidence that should be addressed. Organizations need to work with their teams to develop strategies to overcome barriers and to instill a research supportive culture.