A scoping review of pharmacy trainee perceptions of research and scholarship

Despite extensive literature on pharmacy trainee perceptions of research and scholarship, the overarching trends and themes remain unclear. To understand pharmacy trainee attitudes towards research and scholarship and identify successful interventions for promoting positive perceptions, a comprehensive review of available literature is warranted. The aim of this scoping review was to characterize data currently available describing pharmacy trainee perceptions of research and scholarship as well as describe successful interventions.

This scoping review utilized Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidance. Four databases were searched, and inclusion criteria entailed original peer-reviewed research including pharmacy trainees (students, residents, fellows) with data on perceptions, defined as thoughts, attitudes, opinions, beliefs, or feelings, towards learning about and completing research and scholarship.

The initial search resulted in 3953 records with 64 manuscripts included in the final analysis. Of the included manuscripts, 47 focused on student perceptions while 17 reported resident perceptions. Manuscripts were further divided for analysis by intervention including surveys for general perceptions, research education, structured research programs, research promotional activities, and research mentors.

Overall, the results of the scoping review indicate positive perceptions of research and scholarship among most pharmacy trainees at various levels. Being thoughtful in the learning experience, taking into consideration limitations and barriers, and encouraging accurate trainee self-assessment with objective evaluation of knowledge may be helpful strategies to consider when educating pharmacy trainees about research and scholarship.