The Royal Pharmaceutical Society welcomes the release of NHS England's report on the involvement of pharmacy professionals in research. The report proposes the implementation of a clinical academic training pathway for pharmacy professionals by 2030.
RPS President, Professor Claire Anderson, along with Joseph Oakley, Associate Director for Assessment and Credentialing, and Professor Parastou Donyai, RPS Chief Scientist, participated in the working group responsible for developing the report.
RPS President, Claire Anderson, said: “The RPS was delighted to contribute a co-chair and have representation on the short-life working group that produced the report. We wholeheartedly welcome its recommendations. Research is an essential pillar of professional practice, driving continued professional innovation and advancement in care for patients.
“The RPS is committed to enhancing pharmacists’ research capabilities. Research is a common domain across the RPS post-registration curricula due to its importance for professional innovation and advancing patient care. We recently worked with NIHR to create e-learning modules for pharmacists starting their research journeys, along with support services and guidance for members.
“Professional engagement with research, supported by a network of clinical academics, is vital for the profession’s growth; pharmacists are uniquely placed within the healthcare system to drive forward the evidence base on the safe and effective use of medicines. The report’s suggestion to embed RPS curricula frameworks into pharmacists’ job descriptions by 2026 aligns with our mission to integrate research activities across all pharmacy sectors. This initiative will grow a cohort of research-engaged pharmacists ready to lead the pharmacy research agenda.
“Recognising pharmacists’ challenges in balancing research amidst busy frontline roles, we advocate for protected learning time, as outlined in our policy and echoed by the report. Adequate funding is crucial to overcoming these barriers and delivering the report’s vision.”
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