ObjectiveThis study explored National Health Service (NHS) pharmacists’ perceptions and experiences of pharmacist-led research in the workplace.DesignSemistructured, face-to-face discussions continued until distinct clusters of opinion characteristics formed. Verbatim transcripts of audio-recordings were subjected to framework analysis.SettingInterviews were carried out with 54 pharmacists with diverse backgrounds and roles from general practices and secondary care in the UK's largest health authority.ResultsThe purpose and potential of health services research (HSR) was understood and acknowledged to be worthwhile by participants, but a combination of individual and system-related themes tended to make participation difficult, except when this was part of formal postgraduate education leading to a qualification. Lack of prioritisation was routinely cited as the greatest barrier, with motivation, confidence and competence as additional impediments. System-related themes included lack of practical support and pharmacy professional issues. A minority of highly motivated individuals managed to embed research participation into routine activity.ConclusionsMost pharmacists realised the desirability and necessity of research to underpin pharmacy service expansion, but a combination of individual and professional level changes is needed to increase activity. Our findings provide a starting point for better understanding the mindset of hospital-based and general practice-based pharmacists towards research, as well as their perceived barriers and supports.

Using a tracer strain of Salmonella typhimurium and a direct-counting technique, a procedure was developed for evaluating the effect of immersion treatments on the Salmonella contamination of chicken carcasses. Immersion of carcasses in 60°C water for 10 min gave 100-fold reduction in Salmonella counts. Addition of 200 ppm chlorine or 2.5% potassium sorbate to the water increased the reductions to 1000-fold with elimination of Salmonella from most carcasses. Other immersion treatments were not as effective. Sensory evaluation indicated the acceptability of treated carcasses on the basis of appearance and flavour.

A method for rapid enumeration of Salmonella on chicken carcasses was developed. Carcass rinses were centrifuged to sediment and concentrate Salmonella and other microbial cells. After washing and resuspending the pelleted cells to 1.0 ml, Salmonella was selectively isolated and differentiated from other species by plating onto newly developed dulcitol bile novobiocin agar. Rapid lysine decarboxylase and ONPG tests were developed for biochemical confirmation of presumptive Salmonella colonies. Fully confirmed Salmonella counts were obtained within 48 h. The new method gave Salmonella counts and detection rates that were significantly higher than those found by conventional enrichment, plating procedures.

Objectives The Scottish Health Technologies Group (SHTG) provides evidence support and advice to the National Health Service in Scotland on the use of new and existing health technologies, which, although not medicines, are likely to have significant implications for people's care. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the developments that have taken place in the SHTG's patient involvement processes in the years 2017 to 2019, focusing primarily on specific engagement with patient organizations and considering how the new approaches have been received by stakeholders. Methods Feedback from patient organizations that participated in the SHTG submission process, alongside SHTG committee members’ views on patient organizations contributions, was gathered primarily via online questionnaires. The number of times that patient organizations were invited and accepted the opportunity to peer-review SHTG advice statements prior to and after the employment of a Public Involvement Advisor (PIA) was analyzed. Results Completed questionnaires (n = 4) from three case study examples showed high patient organization satisfaction with their experience of the SHTG process. The feedback from SHTG committee members that was gathered indicated that patient organization participation was generally well received. The number of peer reviews from patient organizations for SHTG advice statements in 2018–2019 doubled to 86 percent of the total advice statements (n = 22), compared with 43 percent (n = 14) in 2016–2017. Conclusions Significant progress has been made toward improving the SHTG's patient involvement processes. A dedicated PIA post within the SHTG has allowed for a more tailored support to patient organizations and has encouraged their increased participation in SHTG processes.

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