The #RxWritingChallenge: A way to boost productivity and camaraderie and overcome writing barriers

Abstract

The #RxWritingChallenge is a focused period in which pharmacy writers commit to write for 30 minutes per day for two weeks as a personal challenge to increase their scholarly output. It combines elements of dedicating short, consistent blocks of time to writing with the camaraderie of a writing group. The #RxWritingChallenge addresses some of the common issues leading to lower than desired scholarly output: time management, writing skills and habits, accountability, and emotional barriers. As part of Objective 4 of the FIP Academic Section’s strategic plan, promote scholarship in pharmaceutical education, participation in the March 2021 #RxWritingChallege was encouraged. Members who began the challenge chose to participate for solidarity, improved productivity, to complete a specific project, and to improve their writing. All who completed the post-challenge survey indicated they would participate in future challenges. Combined benefits of regular, short blocks dedicated to writing and accountability to a community of writers make the #RxWritingChallenge an attractive proposition for pharmacy academics.

An Academic Pharmacy Section special issues grows from a strategic plan

“…The aforementioned table of potential journals suitable for publication was presented in an article by Cheung and Bohan (2022). The AcPS participation in the #RxWritingChallenge was documented (Ryan, 2022). white paper by Forrest and colleagues (2022) presented a compelling argument for including scholarly work related to teaching and learning in promotion and tenure considerations.…”

“…AcPS works on behalf of its members, whether it is to assist in curriculum development, promote recognition of educational products, or foster innovative teaching methods. Other programmes will be implemented in the coming years such as a live Twitter chat (Doshi, Ouano & Sandhu, 2022) and future editions of the #RxWritingChallenge (Ryan, 2022).…”