Barriers and facilitators for community pharmacists' participation in pharmacy practice research: a survey

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore pharmacists' barriers and facilitators regarding participation in pharmacy practice research.

Methods: We conducted an online cross-sectional survey in 1974 community pharmacies in the Netherlands.

Key findings: A total of 252 pharmacists completed the questionnaire. The majority agreed that participation in research should be part of daily practice. Efficient time investment and a clear benefit for general professional knowledge, patient care and pharmacy organisation were the most important facilitating factors.

Conclusions: To encourage pharmacists' participation, researchers should offer clear instructions, possibilities for flexible time management, simple patient inclusion, task delegation and no additional contacts with healthcare professionals due to the research.

Keywords: community pharmacy; pharmacist opinions; pharmacy practice research; survey; the Netherlands.