Supporting the research capability and capacity of the pharmacy workforce in Wales: a rapid review of the literature and stakeholder engagement.

Authors

Sarah L Brown, Gwenno Roberts, Gitto Varghese, Sarah Hiom, Delyth H James

Published in

The International journal of pharmacy practice. Sep 01, 2026. Epub Sep 01, 2026.

Abstract

To identify the key components of interventions to build research capability and capacity of the pharmacy workforce in Wales using a behavioural-science approach. Local workforce barriers and enablers, global literature, and stakeholder views were explored to inform strategies for supporting pharmacy research engagement.
Phase 1 stakeholder engagement established barriers and enablers using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) model. Findings from a rapid literature review identified core elements to support research. Phase 2 stakeholder engagement gathered feedback on findings from Phase 1 from pharmacy research leaders and staff in one Health Board.
Seven papers reporting positive research activity outcomes were identified, from which nine core elements for strengthening research capability and capacity were derived: Strategy, Funding, Partnerships with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), Physical resources, Networking, Mentorship/support/supervision, Training, Identity, and Protected time. Stakeholders prioritized Strategy, Partnerships, and Identity. Mapping of pharmacy staff barriers and enablers to the COM-B model and nine elements demonstrated how capability (skills, knowledge), opportunity (time, resources, networks), and motivation (professional recognition, culture) can be addressed. Findings emphasize these elements should be implemented together, embedded in organisational culture, and supported through strategic planning and sustained investment.
Interventions to support pharmacy professionals' research engagement should include all nine core elements, combined appropriately and underpinned by the COM-B model of behaviour, tailoring the operationalisation of these elements to local need. Combining these elements within organisational culture, education, and planning can embed research as a core professional role, ensuring sustained capability, opportunity, and motivation to engage with research across the pharmacy profession.

PMID:
42679051
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 02 Sep 2026.

Read full publication at:
Please sign in to see all details.

Stats

1-terrible, 9-excellent. How would you rate this publication? Sign in in to submit your rating.

Post a comment

You need to be signed in to post comments. You can sign in here.

Comments

There are no comments yet.