Background: There are few publications evaluating the research experience of hospital pharmacists in Australia. Aim: This study evaluated the research interest, confidence and experience of an Australian hospital pharmacist population. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken in a health service. Demographic information was collected and study participants completed a validated questionnaire to evaluate their interest, confidence and experience in research. Differences between overall levels of interest, confidence and experience were evaluated using non-parametric analysis of variance (ANOVA), whereas relationships of these with demographic variables were explored with multilinear regression. Participants listed the number of times they completed a range of research-related tasks, as well as barriers to and support for participating in research. Results: Pharmacists exhibited high levels of interest in research but had comparatively lower levels of confidence and experience (p < 0.017 for all). Pharmacists undertook most of the research tasks less than five times in the past 5 years. Research interest was associated with qualifications and belief that research can influence practice (r 2 = 0.175, p < 0.05); research confidence was associated with qualifications and gender (r 2 = 0.405, p < 0.05); research experience was associated with years of experience and qualifications (r 2 = 0.380, p < 0.01). Time was the most common barrier to participation in research. The level of departmental support was high, but one-third of participants declined to answer this question. Conclusion: Research interest, confidence and experience were associated with possession of a postgraduate research qualification. Pharmacy professional organisations, pharmacy departments and educational institutions should consider ways to encourage pharmacists to complete a postgraduate qualification.

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