The Canadian Oncology Pharmacy Research Network

Research in hospital pharmacy has been increasingly highlighted in recent years, with special attention focused by the Research Committee of the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists (CSHP). In a first attempt to organize potential oncology pharmacist researchers, an invitation to join a research network was distributed to hospital pharmacists across Canada in late 1988. Data sheets, including personal demographic data, practice and research information, members' perceived roles in future research projects, experience and training, interest in multi-centre research projects, and specific areas of research involvement were used to create a roster of pharmacist researchers. Sixty-nine pharmacists submitted their names to the roster. Details on each respondent were then transferred to a standardized data spreadsheet which was distributed back to each network member. Members then had a listing of potential researcher colleagues to aid in their development or participation in multi-centre studies. Data provided by the respondents were analyzed to characterize the nature of this network. Twenty of 60 members reported qualifications beyond BSc and 11 members hold advanced degrees. There was a wide variation of time available for research activities. A weekly commitment of three to ten hours (reported by 25/48) is a reasonable amount of time for successful research involvement. Previous training and experience are also positive factors: 25/69 had postgraduate training, 25/68 had previous experience conducting a research project and 34/67 had collaborated on a study project. There were two cohorts of potential researchers in oncology pharmacy--those who are prepared to run a project, and those who wish to contribute to projects.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)