Pharmacists must take an active role as citizen scientists

Area of Science:

• Biomedical, clinical, and social sciences underpinning evidence-based healthcare.
• The scientific process: observation, experimentation, and theory testing.

Background:

• Science is crucial for advancing health knowledge and care delivery.
• Science faces threats from politicization, misinformation, and inequity.
• Disparate societal views on science's benefits and roles persist.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of pharmacists as citizen scientists.
• To identify how pharmacists can address challenges facing science.
• To highlight the benefits of citizen science engagement for pharmacists.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of science's role in healthcare.
• Examination of threats to scientific integrity.
• Exploration of pharmacist engagement as citizen scientists.

Main Results:

• Pharmacists are well-positioned to act as citizen scientists.
• Citizen science engagement promotes public good (economic, political, cultural).
• Engagement offers personal/professional benefits and role modeling opportunities.

Conclusions:

• Pharmacists can significantly contribute to safeguarding science.
• Citizen science participation by pharmacists addresses societal challenges.
• Active involvement yields mutual benefits for pharmacists and society.