Introduction to Pharmacy Research
This introduction to research methods eBook aims to provide undergraduate pharmacy students with appropriate guidance, knowledge and skills that are essential for research. Research is a process that produces new knowledge through scientific inquiry-based methods. Consequently, embarking on a successful research project requires critical planning and a good understanding of research methodologies.
This eBook is packed full of practical tips and examples to equip you with the knowledge to conduct research, making it invaluable for students embarking on pharmacy research for the first time.
The engaging and insightful content in this book is focused on the needs and interests of undergraduate pharmacy students who are considering whether to undertake research but do not know where and how to begin and wish to understand the research evidence base for their profession. The eBook also has H5P activities such as document exports, interactive videos, presentations and quizzes that will enable you to reflect and connect theory with practice. Given its unrivalled and rich content, this eBook will be an essential partner for you who have little or no background in engaging with research. It will support you in pursuing interests in research and making contributions to the existing body of evidence-based research. Ultimately, this eBook will contribute to the development of tomorrow’s pharmacy researchers and future leaders in the advancement of health professions research.
There has been an ongoing global concern that the number of health professionals undertaking research is declining, with reference to the clinical researcher as an ‘endangered species’. Research training and experience in undergraduate education are therefore essential to foster motivation and engagement. It is important to make research understandable, especially to undergraduate pharmacy students who will eventually proceed into clinical practice.
Understandably, research can be seen or viewed as a daunting task by students given the broad and sometimes complex concepts that you are required to understand before you can embark on research.
This eBook will simplify and break down these concepts for you the student. The free availability of this eBook will make it a lifelong companion that can be referred to even after completing your degree.
Currently, textbooks on research in health professions are either expensive or too complex for undergraduate students to understand. This eBook will bring research to life and address all these gaps.
Introductory Reading
1. Gnjidic D, da Costa N, Wheate NJ, Potential factors that can affect the performance of undergraduate pharmacy research students: a descriptive study, BMC Medical Education, 2023, Article number 23.
