Pharmacy practice research - A call to action

Abstract

Pharmacists have a societal duty of care. How to best provide that type of care requires scientific study. Pharmacy practice is a scientific discipline that studies the different aspects of the practice of pharmacy, and its impact on health care systems, medicine use, and patient care. Its scope has expanded globally to encompass clinical, behavioural, economic, and humanistic implications of the practice of pharmacy, as well as practice change and implementation in routine practice of innovations such as health interventions and patient-care services. The development, impact evaluation, implementation, and sustainability of health interventions and patient-care services represents a key research area for pharmacy practice. An approach for conducting these is provided. There is evidence that collaborative national and international research in this area is growing, showing an increased contribution to global health research. The role of universities and pharmacy professional associations in supporting the advancement of pharmacy through pharmacy practice research is also discussed. Finally, a call to action for pharmacy practice research, education, and practice is made.