NIHR research

e-Learning for pharmacy professionals

 

 


Who are these e-Learning modules for?

Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians interested in research

We want to build pharmacy professionals’ knowledge and skills in research, so they can help to provide the evidence base to improve the practice of pharmacy and the health of the public.

Developed for the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), our research e-Learning programme will improve clinical research awareness, knowledge and skills for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who are new to research and/or have minimal experience of research or research opportunities.

What do the modules cover?

You'll discover:

  1. What research is
  2. How to turn your ideas into research projects
  3. Research methods
  4. Practical considerations for research.

There are nine modules in total - find out what topics they cover below.

About the modules

Each module takes around 45 to 60 minutes to complete. Complete them in order, or pick and choose the ones of interest to you.

At the end of each module is a 10-question assessment; you must score 80% to pass the module.

Any questions about the e-Learning modules? Contact [email protected]

Create your account

The modules are hosted on the NIHR Learn platform. All clinical professionals can access them once they have set up an account.

REGISTER FOR AN ACCOUNT

NIHR Learn is open to anyone employed by or assisting the NIHR, the NHS, a UK university, or other publicly funded organisation conducting and supporting clinical research.

If you can, use a work, professional, or university email address from our pre-approved list, to self-register and start using NIHR Learn immediately.

Don't have an email address from a pre-approved domain? Your application will need to be approved, and will take a little longer.

Once your NIHR Learn account is set up and verified, it can be accessed from anywhere.

Details of how to register for an account (including a user guide) can be found at NIHR Learn Help.

Getting started

Created your account? Then read the overview below, which lists all the modules and includes a description of their content.

ACCESS MODULES

Overview of the modules:

  • Module 1: Introduction to research
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    This module provides information on the purpose of research, how it is delivered, and why it is so important to patients and healthcare systems.

    Learners will be introduced to:

    • What research is and the main similarities and differences between research, audit, service evaluation and quality improvement
    • The value of research and how research can inform practice and improve patient outcomes
    • The research cycle.
  • Module 2: How to transform your ideas into a research project
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    This module provides information on how to formulate a research question and write clear aims and objectives.

    Learners will be introduced to:

    • The purpose of reviewing existing research evidence
    • The main stages involved in searching for, and identifying, high-quality evidence from a variety of sources
    • Developing a research question and clear aims and objectives.
  • Module 3: Finding and evaluating evidence
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    This module provides information on how to search for, and evaluate evidence, through a critical appraisal process to support research design.

    Learners will be introduced to:

    • The importance of using evidence to build a case for research
    • The main types of evidence reviews
    • The process to develop a search strategy
    • The main elements of critical review and evaluation of evidence
    • Managing and citing references.
  • Module 4: Research methods – an overview
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    This module provides information on research design and methods in pharmacy, including their strengths and limitations.

    Learners will be introduced to:

    • The principles of research design
    • The importance of having a plan that addresses the research question
    • Different types of research methods and their main features, strengths, and limitations
    • Key sampling principles and procedures and what to consider when collecting, analysing and interpreting data.
  • Module 5: Quantitative methods – data collection and analysis
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    This module provides information on quantitative research methods and how to collect, analyse and interpret quantitative data.

    Learners will be introduced to:

    • The main principles of quantitative research
    • The different types of quantitative research and when it can be used
    • The main principles of sampling
    • How to collect, process, and analyse data
    • The key strengths and limitations of quantitative methods.
  • Module 6: Qualitative methods – data collection and analysis
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    This module provides information on qualitative research methods and how to collect, analyse and interpret qualitative data.

    Learners will be introduced to:

    • The main principles of qualitative research
    • The different types of qualitative research and when it can be used
    • The main principles of sampling
    • How to collect, process, and analyse data
    • The key strengths and limitations of qualitative methods.
  • Module 7: Practical considerations: research governance, ethics and collaboration
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    This module provides information on research governance and ethics as well as the importance of collaboration in achieving high-quality research.

    Learners will be introduced to:

    • The main principles of research ethics and governance in the UK
    • The importance of collaboration and multidisciplinary working in research for health and healthcare
    • The importance of patient and public involvement and engagement in research.
  • Module 8: Reporting, publishing, dissemination, and impact
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    This module provides information on research communication and dissemination strategies to achieve maximum impact.

    Learners will be introduced to:

    • The main types of research outputs
    • How to use different communication methods for maximum impact
    • The principles of good dissemination
    • The importance of adhering to relevant reporting and publishing guidelines.
  • Module 9: Applying for research funding and developing research proposals
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    This module provides information on best practice in research grant and fellowship writing.

    Learners will be introduced to:

    • The main types of research funding opportunities
    • The preliminary groundwork and preparation needed
    • The main sections of a research proposal
    • Common strengths and weaknesses in funding applications.

Are you an RPS member and want further support?

Our Research Team offers a range of support service to help you develop your research potential.

Get in touch: [email protected]

  • Check the list of pre-approved domains:
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    ac.uk
    BravoVictor.org.uk
    blindveterans.org.uk
    cgl.org.uk
    ct.catapult.org.uk
    dh.gsi.gov.uk
    dhsc.gov.uk
    doctors.net.uk
    doctors.org
    doctors.org.uk
    dstl.gov.uk
    ems-healthcare.co.uk
    gov.uk
    hscni.net
    icnarc.org
    mhra.gov.uk
    mhs-cic.org.uk
    mhw-cic.org.uk
    nhs.net
    nhs.org.uk
    nhs.scot
    nhs.uk
    nhsbt.nhs.uk
    nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
    nice.org.uk
    nihr.ac.uk
    nweh.co.uk
    opri.sg
    optimumpatientcare.org
    paconsulting.com
    pega.com
    phe.gov.uk