title: Research is 'a step into the unknown': an exploration of pharmacists' perceptions of factors impacting on research participation in the NHS.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study explored National Health Service (NHS) pharmacists' perceptions and experiences of pharmacist-led research in the workplace.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semistructured, face-to-face discussions continued until distinct clusters of opinion characteristics formed. Verbatim transcripts of audio-recordings were subjected to framework analysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Interviews were carried out with 54 pharmacists with diverse backgrounds and roles from general practices and secondary care in the UK's largest health authority.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The purpose and potential of health services research (HSR) was understood and acknowledged to be worthwhile by participants, but a combination of individual and system-related themes tended to make participation difficult, except when this was part of formal postgraduate education leading to a qualification. Lack of prioritisation was routinely cited as the greatest barrier, with motivation, confidence and competence as additional impediments. System-related themes included lack of practical support and pharmacy professional issues. A minority of highly motivated individuals managed to embed research participation into routine activity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Most pharmacists realised the desirability and necessity of research to underpin pharmacy service expansion, but a combination of individual and professional level changes is needed to increase activity. Our findings provide a starting point for better understanding the mindset of hospital-based and general practice-based pharmacists towards research, as well as their perceived barriers and supports.
authors.affiliation: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Pharmacy and Prescribing Support Unit, Glasgow, Scotland.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lowrie
authors.affiliation: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Pharmacy and Prescribing Support Unit, Glasgow, Scotland.
authors.forename: Graeme
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Morrison
authors.affiliation: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Pharmacy and Prescribing Support Unit, Glasgow, Scotland.
authors.forename: Rosalind
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lees
authors.affiliation: College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
authors.forename: Christopher H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Grant
authors.affiliation: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Pharmacy and Prescribing Support Unit, Glasgow, Scotland.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.affiliation: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Pharmacy and Prescribing Support Unit, Glasgow, Scotland.
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: MacLean
authors.affiliation: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Pharmacy and Prescribing Support Unit, Glasgow, Scotland.
authors.forename: Yvonne
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Semple
authors.affiliation: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Pharmacy and Prescribing Support Unit, Glasgow, Scotland.
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Thomson
authors.affiliation: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Pharmacy and Prescribing Support Unit, Glasgow, Scotland.
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Harrison
authors.affiliation: Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Alexander B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Mullen
authors.affiliation: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Pharmacy and Prescribing Support Unit, Glasgow, Scotland.
authors.forename: Norman
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Lannigan
authors.affiliation: Institute of Health and Wellbeing, General Practice and Primary Care, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Macdonald
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000523:psychology*; D024382:Professional Role; D013222:State Medicine; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: EDUCATION & TRAINING (see Medical Education & Training); HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION & MANAGEMENT; QUALITATIVE RESEARCH