Oklahoma community pharmacists' interest to participate in a pharmacy practice-based research network

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess Oklahoma community pharmacists' interest to participate in a practice-based research network (PBRN), potential project topics, and perceived participation reasons and barriers. This information provides insight to the development of a community pharmacy PBRN in Oklahoma. Methods: A cross-sectional, institutional review board-approved survey was e-mailed to a list of Oklahomalicensed pharmacists provided by the state board of pharmacy. Mann-Whitney U tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests were conducted to compare respondents' reports of interest in PBRN participation based on their gender, whether or not they worked in an independently owned community pharmacy, whether or not they had prior research experience, their pharmacy location (rural, suburban, urban), and level of prescription volume. Results: For this study, 4,050 surveys were sent to valid e-mail addresses of Oklahoma-licensed pharmacists. Responses were received from 525 pharmacists. Results are reported for the 222 respondents who consented, indicated they worked in community pharmacies, and completed the survey. The majority (59%) were very or somewhat interested in PBRN participation; 31% indicated they needed more information to decide. Pharmacists who worked in independent community pharmacies and had previous research experience reported greater interest in PBRN participation (P = 0.002, P = 0.003, respectively). No differences in PBRN interest were found based on gender, pharmacy location, or prescription volume. The most common project topic selected was patient education and medication therapy management as mechanisms for preventing, detecting, and managing adverse drug events. The most important reason for PBRN participation was enrichment of care provided to patients, and the most important barrier was potential interruption in pharmacy workflow. Conclusion: The majority of respondents indicated interest in PBRN participation. Interest appears to be more appealing to independent community pharmacists with previous research experience. Although these findings are not generalizable, evolving PBRNs may benefit from utilizing a similar survey.