Attitudes of Australian pharmacists towards practice-based research

Background and objective: The aim was to conduct a national cross‐sectional survey of randomly selected Australian pharmacists to determine their attitudes towards and involvement in pharmacy practice research. This included the canvassing of perceived barriers and potential solutions to promote research activity in pharmacy practice. Methods: A questionnaire was developed around those used in UK and Australasian studies of general practitioners’ attitudes towards research. Questions assessed attitudes to research, involvement in research, barriers and facilitators to involvement, self‐assessed understanding of research terminology, and access to and use of electronic bibliographic databases. One thousand pharmacists were randomly and proportionately selected from the State and Territory Pharmacy Board registers to receive the anonymous questionnaire by mail. Non‐respondents were sent a follow‐up reminder and second copy of the questionnaire after 3 weeks. Results: A response rate of 37% was achieved. Approximately, one‐third of responding pharmacists were presently, or had been, involved in research activities, and generally reported positive experiences. Lack of time and never being approached or not being aware of the opportunities were major barriers to pharmacist participation in research. Approximately, one‐third of the pharmacists were not interested in participating in research. There was low usage of publicly available electronic bibliographic databases and of scientific journals. Although there was overwhelming recognition of the value of research to the profession, few pharmacists possessed a good understanding of key terms related to research and evidence‐based practice (e.g. P‐value or number needed to treat). Conclusion: There was overwhelming recognition of the value of research to the pharmacy profession. Important factors encouraging individual pharmacists to participate in research were a desire to improve the profession, the opportunity to learn more about disease management and to provide enhanced services to patients, and personal interest.     

Organizational support in the recruitment and transition of overseas‐qualified nurses: Lessons learnt from a study tour

The migration of nurses has been a global phenomenon, and the integration of overseas‐qualified nurses within host countries has led to debate worldwide. Evidence suggests that support provided by organizations can vary and that there is minimal information on the nature and extent of organizational support required to enhance a smooth transition of overseas‐qualified nurses into nursing practice. This explorative study tour examined the organizational support provided to enhance overseas‐qualified nurses' transition into the nursing workforce in two countries. The various support mechanisms provided to overseas‐qualified nurses in different organizations include transition, acculturation, mentoring programs, and initial settlement assistance. The successful transition of overseas‐qualified nurses into a host country is a complex issue. A robust support system for these nurses should be based on ethical considerations and a team approach that is linked to strong leadership. In addition, education and support for existing staff is essential for a successful transition of overseas‐qualified nurses into practice. Lessons learnt from this study tour might also be relevant to the transition of other overseas‐qualified health professionals, such as doctors and allied health professionals, in host countries.