Pharmacy practice research in the United Kingdom: which issues should shape future developments?

Abstract

Abstract Pharmacy practice research (PPR) is a developing area of research in the United Kingdom. To date, most studies have been carried out in secondary care, although efforts have been made recently to encourage studies in primary care. The quality of PPR is variable and there have been few well-performed studies. It is likely that this has resulted from the relative novelty of PPR and the inexperience of the researchers. Studies have usually been performed on services at a single site and have been carried out in isolation from fellow researchers or university departments with appropriate expertise. Initiatives have been taken within pharmacy to improve the quality of PPR but the resources that are available, and hence the potential for improvement, are limited. In contrast, health services research (HSR) is a relatively well-established area of research in which related topics in the broader areas of health care are considered. Comparable methods could be employed to examine PPR and HSR topics. It is suggested that substantial improvements may be made in the quality of PPR by fostering long-term collaborative ventures between PPR and HSR.