The importance of research during pharmacy residency training

Abstract

Practice-related projects and pharmacy practice research are requirements to complete postgraduate pharmacy residency programs. Many residents will complete residencies without fully developing the skills needed to perform research required for new clinical and academic positions. Many studies have quantified successes and identified characteristics that may be associated with successful resident publication. There are many benefits to gaining research and publication skills during residency training for the resident, preceptor/mentors, and the residency program. Published works have also suggested approaches than can be taken to improve research within a residency program. The aims of this article are to discuss the publication rates of resident research projects, suggest ways to improve residency research, review benefits of residency research, and briefly review research training alternatives.

Critical Care PGY-2 Graduate Perceptions and Practices Regarding Residency Project Publication

“…newsletters), clinical faculty visits, and the provision of regular feedback from a residency research committee are important strategies to jump-start such a culture. 31 Residents should be provided with dedicated time to explore non-research publications (e.g., case reports, review articles) and to prepare and publish their PGY1 research project with the guidance of experienced researchers. Presentation of the project at a national conference (specific to sub-specialty) should be encouraged, as it will serve as an important impetus for the resident to analyze data, organize the presentation of results, and consider the messaging that should be promulgated in the discussion.…”

The Importance of Research and Scholarly Activity in Pharmacy Training

“…Similarly, the American Society of Health‐System Pharmacists' (ASHP's) residency training standards for postgraduate year one (PGY1) programs provide wide latitude for achieving goals related to improving patient care or the medication use system through a quality improvement or research project, but they have no requirements for offering research training or disseminating resident project findings through peer‐reviewed publications . Both resident research quality and publication rates have been described as low. Although a resident's research confidence and self‐reported abilities improve after residency, objective measurements of research knowledge and skills are poor .…”

“…curricula and residency training programs have resulted in standards that potentially reduce the time and focus on developing research and scholarly skills. The result is a growing interest in developing strategies for professional degree and residency training programs to enhance pharmacists' interest and engagement in high‐quality research and scholarship …”

Evaluation of the Effect of A Structured Program to Guide Residents’ Experience in Research (ASPIRE) on Pharmacy Residents’ Knowledge, Confidence, and Attitude toward Research

“…Further, as scientists and members of multidisciplinary health care teams, clinical pharmacists are expected to review, synthesize, and/or contribute to clinical research. Residents with supported research experience in their training programs are more likely to publish in the future and have a competitive advantage over those without this experience . Residents and residency program directors report several barriers to completing meaningful resident research projects.…”