Factors influencing Australian community pharmacists' willingness to participate in research projects - An exploratory study

Objective: To identify the factors influencing Australian community pharmacists' willingness to participate in research projects and their attitudes towards research. Method: A mixed-method survey instrument comprising demographics, previous participation in research, and perceptions about participation in research was mailed to 267 community pharmacists in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. An analysis of variance test was used to identify similarities and differences between research- and non-research-active respondents. Bivariate correlations and partial least squares (PLS) regression analyses were used to identify barriers and facilitators to research participation. Key findings: The overall response rate to the survey was 40%. Of these, 70% were classified as previous research participants (PRP), and 30% were classified as non-previous research participants (NPRP). Both groups had mostly favourable attitudes towards research; however, the results revealed several differences between the PRP and NPRP groups. Three items were identified as key facilitators to participation in research for both PRP and NPRP groups - having an interest in the research topic; believing that the research will benefit the customer; and a belief that community pharmacy research is important. Lack of time, either real or perceived, was identified as a key barrier to participation in research for both the PRP and NPRP groups. Conclusion: Researchers should take into account pharmacists' previous research experience when recruiting pharmacists into research projects. In the case of pharmacists with research experience, emphasis should be on promoting factors that facilitate participation. In the case of pharmacists with little research experience, emphasis should be on reducing barriers to participation.