Milena M Murray1, Denise M Kolanczyk2, Arti Phatak3, Justin Schmidt3, Mary Ann Kliethermes4, Tran Tran5, Keri DePatis6, Kathleen Vest7. 1. Department of Pharmacy Practice, Midwestern University, Chicago College of Pharmacy, 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL, United States; Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Department of Pharmacy, 251 E Huron St, Chicago, IL, United States. Electronic address: mmurra@midwestern.edu. 2. Department of Pharmacy Practice, Midwestern University, Chicago College of Pharmacy, 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL, United States. Electronic address: dkolan@midwestern.edu. 3. Department of Pharmacy Practice, Midwestern University, Chicago College of Pharmacy, 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL, United States. 4. Department of Pharmacy Practice, Midwestern University, Chicago College of Pharmacy, 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL, United States. Electronic address: mkliethermes@midwestern.edu. 5. Department of Pharmacy Practice, Midwestern University, Chicago College of Pharmacy, 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL, United States. Electronic address: ttran@midwestern.edu. 6. Palm Beach Atlantic University, Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Practice, 901 S. Flagler Ave., PO Box 24708, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, United States; Midwestern University, Chicago College of Pharmacy, 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL, United States. Electronic address: keri_depatis@pba.edu. 7. Department of Pharmacy Practice, Midwestern University, Chicago College of Pharmacy, 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL, United States. Electronic address: kvestx@midwestern.edu.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to identify perceived barriers and factors influencing student pursuit of research during pharmacy school. METHODS: A voluntary, paper-based or electronic questionnaire was administered to all pharmacy students at a private college of pharmacy in mandatory courses during the 2016-2017 academic year. Survey questions collected information pertaining to demographics, factors influencing student pursuit of research, and barriers to pursuit of research. Participation was incentivized with gift cards. RESULTS: A total of 623 students completed the survey (79% response rate). The average respondent was female (69.1%), 25-years old (IQR 23-26 years), employed (69.9%), and had a prior degree (66.6%). During pharmacy school, 27.3% of respondents pursued a research project. Of students not pursuing a research project during pharmacy school, the amount of interest to complete a project differed significantly between professional years (P < .01) with the second-year class having the highest interest. Lack of time (91.3%), unfamiliarity with the research process (81.8%), and too much coursework (80.5%) were cited as the top three perceived barriers that prevented students from pursuing research. A mandatory research class (87.6%), presentations describing faculty research interests (83.4%), and ability to work with a friend (83.9%) would most strongly influence students to complete research. CONCLUSIONS: Students report additional information regarding research opportunities would positively influence their decision to pursue research while in pharmacy school. Future studies should evaluate strategies to familiarize students with the research process.
INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to identify perceived barriers and factors influencing student pursuit of research during pharmacy school. METHODS: A voluntary, paper-based or electronic questionnaire was administered to all pharmacy students at a private college of pharmacy in mandatory courses during the 2016-2017 academic year. Survey questions collected information pertaining to demographics, factors influencing student pursuit of research, and barriers to pursuit of research. Participation was incentivized with gift cards. RESULTS: A total of 623 students completed the survey (79% response rate). The average respondent was female (69.1%), 25-years old (IQR 23-26 years), employed (69.9%), and had a prior degree (66.6%). During pharmacy school, 27.3% of respondents pursued a research project. Of students not pursuing a research project during pharmacy school, the amount of interest to complete a project differed significantly between professional years (P < .01) with the second-year class having the highest interest. Lack of time (91.3%), unfamiliarity with the research process (81.8%), and too much coursework (80.5%) were cited as the top three perceived barriers that prevented students from pursuing research. A mandatory research class (87.6%), presentations describing faculty research interests (83.4%), and ability to work with a friend (83.9%) would most strongly influence students to complete research. CONCLUSIONS: Students report additional information regarding research opportunities would positively influence their decision to pursue research while in pharmacy school. Future studies should evaluate strategies to familiarize students with the research process.