Process study within a pilot cluster randomised trial in community pharmacy: an exploration of pharmacist readiness for research

Stewart, Duncan, Madden, Mary, Van Dongen, Anne, Watson, Michelle, Morris, Stephanie, Whittlesea, Cate and McCambridge, Jim (2021) Process study within a pilot cluster randomised trial in community pharmacy: an exploration of pharmacist readiness for research. Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy. ISSN 1551-7411 (In Press)

Text CP research readiness.RSAP final accepted version.docx - Accepted Version Download (69kB)

Abstract / Description

Introduction
Community pharmacies have an increasingly prominent public health function. This includes addressing alcohol, but guidance on delivery of alcohol interventions in this setting is lacking. We have developed an intervention that integrates attention to alcohol within existing community pharmacy medicine review services. This paper examines the experiences of community pharmacists (CPs) in conducting a pilot trial of the intervention, including the acceptability of the trial patient recruitment procedures, and the training and support provided by the research team.

Method
The pilot trial was conducted in 10 community pharmacies in Yorkshire, England. One CP from each pharmacy was recruited via a multi-stage process to assess motivation, commitment and capacity to participate. Each CP attended a research training day and received on-going research support to conduct the trial. Semi-structured audio-recorded face-to-face interviews (lasting 40-105 minutes) were conducted with all the CPs at the end of the trial. Data were also available from three direct observations conducted during trial support visits. Data were analysed thematically.

Results
The CPs were supportive of research in community pharmacy but had little direct experiences of research themselves. They valued the training and support provided, which had quickly identified areas where CPs were deviating from the study recruitment protocol. In some instances, the boundaries between research and practice became blurred with CPs making changes to their usual routines and interactions with patients to accommodate the research.

Conclusions
The trial procedures were acceptable to CPs, in part because of the training and support provided. There are also identifiable areas where CPs’ readiness for research could be enhanced to facilitate participation in future trials in this setting.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	community pharmacy medicine; community pharmacies; public health; pharmacists; delivery of alcohol interventions
Subjects:	600 Technology > 610 Medicine & health
Department:	School of Social Professions (to June 2021) School of Social Sciences and Professions
Depositing User:	Duncan Stewart
Date Deposited:	18 Jan 2021 15:48
Last Modified:	12 Mar 2021 10:52
URI:	https://repository.londonmet.ac.uk/id/eprint/6292

Downloads

Actions (login required)

View Item