Development of a pharmacy research career pathway discussion tool
Authors: Hiom S J , Ireland M , Jayham A 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Research is one of the four pillars of the RPS curriculum and forms Domain 5 of the credentialing pathway. However, gaining and using these research skills in the workplace appears challenging with low self-reported research confidence identified1, lowest domain pass rates in RPS Credentialing reports2 and a minority of the workforce identified as research active3.
In order to support Welsh practitioners, Pharmacy Research Wales (PRW) has developed a tool to aid research discussions and awareness, identifying National research opportunities and potential career pathways, with relevant practice and portfolio evidence.

Aims
Develop a pharmacy research career pathway discussion tool to support career planning and evidence for the RPS credentialing portfolio.

Method
A literature search and review of RPS, National and local guidelines informed the tool drafting. A Microsoft form “tool” questionnaire was developed (PRW working group) and disseminated by email to a pharmacist cohort (n=10) established by Health Education Improvement Wales to support consultant credentialing. Subsequently members were invited to an in-person one-hour stakeholder development group (n=7) to discuss the tool and agree any modifications. A support moderator took anonymised notes which were reviewed for accuracy, with stakeholder clarification where necessary. No ethics approval was required as no patient involvement and data were anonymised. Questions explored usefulness, self-explanation, pathway self-recognition and improvements. A second draft was presented at 2023 RPS Wales conference research workshop for feedback.

Results
A schema was drafted describing timelines from foundation to consultant together with relevant examples of research opportunities and suggested portfolio evidence.
All survey responses (7/10) indicated usefulness of tool: “good visual guide; draws everything together for the research domain” with 6/7 recognising this pathway as part of their own journey. Respondents (4/7) indicated it was not “self-explanatory”, suggesting removal of abbreviations, an introduction or a step-by-step guide but were positive for use as a mentor/mentee discussion tool.
At the RPS research workshop tables (n=6) of ~7 delegates discussed and were asked to self-identify their research progression. Delegates annotated the tool (n=12) with 3, 8, and 1 respectively reporting foundation, advanced and consultant levels.

Discussion and conclusion
A research tool has been developed to support discussions relating to research career pathway planning and execution. Although there are methodological limitations to this work, for example sample size, it has been well received by the workforce with feedback highlighting areas such as increased awareness of research opportunities, a clear overview of research pathway examples and time investments required, supporting the need for advanced planning. Although aimed at Welsh practitioners, the template is generic and could be extrapolated to the UK workforce.
The schema exemplars uni-professional and multi-disciplinary team pathways, the latter relying on research active medical staff. A high percentage of currently credentialled consultant pharmacists described using this latter route, confirming the need to build our own clinical academic workforce and support NHSE survey2 recommendations.
Further work is required to embed this tool within the workforce and leadership bodies, facilitating research career pathway awareness, discussions and growth both within and across organisations.

References
1. Forsyth, P. et al. Are UK pharmacists ready for consultant-level practice? A cross-sectional survey of self-assessed development needs. Int J Pharm Pract, Volume 30, Issue 6, 2022, p 559–566, https://doi.org/10.1093/ijpp/riac070
2. Royal Pharmaceutical Society (2024) Royal Pharmaceutical Society Annual Credentialing Report 2023. Available at: https://www.rpharms.com/Portals/0/RPS%20document%20library/Open%20access/Credentialing/RPS%20Annual%20Credentialing%20Report%202023-250324_1.pdf [Accessed: 29th April 2024].
3. NHS England (2024) Report of a UK survey of pharmacy professionals’ involvement in research. Publication reference: PRN00702. Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/report-of-a-uk-survey-of-pharmacy-professionals-involvement-in-research/ [Accessed: 29th April 2024].