Research and Evaluation Guides

Research is the process of retrieving knowledge that can be generalised or transferred. It is widely recognised that research-active organisations deliver better outcomes for patients and, therefore, all health professionals (and especially in pharmacy) have a key role in leading or supporting the delivery of research.

Here you'll find guidance to help you critically evaluate evidence, develop your own research study, source funding, and disseminate your findings. These resources have been developed for all pharmacy professionals, at all levels, to help build knowledge, skills and confidence in research. We have introductory and more advanced content, as well as signposts to further recommended resources.

We also publish openly accessible guidance and support resources for all professionals to help build the capacity for research and evaluation across the sector.


Section guide:

  1. Where do I start?
  2. Introduction to research methods
  3. Your research team & PPIE
  4. Sharing your research findings
  5. Evaluation, audit & quality improvement

Where do I start?

Below you will find five educational hubs covering everything you need to know before starting the research process.

A lot of planning and preparation is required when kicking off a research project, which can appear daunting if it's not a process you are familiar with. Before jumping into your research and deciding on the methods you'll be using, you should ask yourself questions like "How do I transform my ideas into effective and thorough research?", "How will my research fit with the existing literature?" and "How will I fund my research?"


  • Introduction to research
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    It is widely recognised that research-active organisations deliver better outcomes for patients and, therefore, all health professionals have a key role in leading or supporting the delivery of research. Pharmacy professionals are ideally placed to deliver high-quality research in the healthcare environment.

    This guide provides an introduction to research and an overview of the research landscape in the wider context of pharmacy practice.

    The foundational knowledge you need to develop your research skills and confidence.

    Key points covered in this guide

    • What do we mean by research?
    • The value of research, in particular, how research can inform practice and improve patient outcomes
    • Components and stages of the research process/cycle
    • Main approaches to research in the context of pharmacy

    First published: 25 October 2022

    Click here to visit the Introduction to Research Hub

  • Turning your ideas into a research project
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    The starting point for any research is to determine what needs to be investigated and why. The decision to undertake research may be a desire to contribute to existing work, or to address a specific area of health burden; however, narrowing down to a specific research topic or question, and developing clear research aims and objectives, can be challenging.

    This guide provides information about the groundwork required in order to turn your ideas into researchable topics. It describes how to formulate research questions by using evidence to narrow down a broader topic, and how to write clear aims and objectives.

    Key points covered in this guide

    • The purpose of reviewing existing research evidence
    • The main stages involved in searching for, and identifying, high-quality evidence from a variety of sources
    • How to develop a good research question?
    • How to develop clear research aims and objectives?

    First published: 25 October 2022

    Click here to visit the Turning Your Ideas into a Research Project Hub

  • Finding and evaluating evidence
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    Most healthcare professionals are expected to be up to date with the latest research and developments, and being able to identify and critically evaluate research is a central component of evidence-based practice. All research projects should include a review of the current evidence prior to the development of the research protocol.

    This guide provides information on how to search and evaluate evidence, through a process known as critical appraisal, in order to determine its value and applicability to clinical practice and using this knowledge to inform the research process.

    Key points covered in this guide

    • The importance of using evidence to build a case for research
    • Main types of evidence reviews and different synthesis approaches
    • Developing a search strategy to identify relevant evidence
    • Main elements of critical appraisal of evidence
    • Managing and citing references

    First published: 25 October 2022

    Click here to visit the Finding and Evaluating Evidence Hub

  • Research funding
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    Having a good understanding of the funding application process and the indicators of success will help you apply for resources which are critical to both the delivery of high-quality research, and its application to informing practice and improving outcomes for patients.

    This guide provides information on best practice in research grant and fellowship writing, including an overview of the main sources of funding available in pharmacy as well as the information required to interpret a funding call and application guidance.

    Key points covered in this guide

    • The main types of research funding opportunities available
    • An overview of the preliminary groundwork and preparation
    • The main sections of a research proposal
    • Strengths and weaknesses in funding applications

    First published: 25 October 2022

    Click here to visit the Research Funding Hub

  • Research governance and ethics
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    Having a good understanding of research governance and the process of obtaining ethics approval for your research will help you to deliver high-quality research, and ensure all participants and collected data are protected.

    This guide provides information on best practices in research governance and ethics, including an overview of the main policy framework documents and ethics approval resources and advice.

    Key points covered in this guide

    • The differences between research ethics and governance
    • An overview of ethics approval, where it is required, and the process of obtaining it
    • The ethics relating to recruiting research participants
    • How to effectively shield study participants and protect the confidential data gathered throughout the research process

    First published: 11 January 2023

    Click here to visit the Research Governance and Ethics Hub

Introduction to research methods

Below you'll find four educational hubs which will introduce you to the basics of research methods.

Possessing a basic understanding of the scientific basis and rationale behind the choice of methods is important for individuals leading and designing studies and those supporting delivery e.g., through recruitment of participants or collecting data. Study design can greatly impact on the validity of the research findings, so it is important to select the most appropriate design.

 

  • Introduction to research methods
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    This section provides information on research design and methods in pharmacy, including their key principles, strengths and limitations.

    Key points covered in this guide

    • The principles of research design (strengths and limitations) and the importance of having a plan that addresses the research question
    • An overview of different types of methods and their main features
    • The key principles and procedures in quantitative and qualitative research, and what to consider when collecting, analysing and interpreting data

    First published: 25 October 2022

    Click here to visit the Introduction to Research Methods Hub

  • Quantitative research methods
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    Understanding what quantitative research is and when it can and should be used is an important skill. This guide provides an in-depth introduction to quantitative research methods, their strengths and weaknesses, and how to analyse quantitative results.

    Key points covered in this guide

    • Strengths and limitations of quantitative research
    • An overview of the various quantitative research methods and when they should be used
    • Quality criteria used to assess quantitative research
    • How to statistically analyse your quantitative results

    First published 11 January 2023

    Click here to visit the Quantitative Research Methods Hub

  • Qualitative research methods
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    Understanding what qualitative research is and when it can and should be used is an important skill. This guide provides an in-depth introduction to qualitative research methods, when they should be used, their strengths and weaknesses, and how to analyse qualitative results.

    Key points covered in this guide

    • Strengths and limitations of qualitative research
    • An overview of the various qualitative research methods and when they should be used
    • How to analyse your qualitative results

    First published 11 January 2023

    Click here to visit the Qualitative Research Methods Hub

  • Research sampling
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    A representative research sample allows you to generalise your results and conclusions to the whole population of interest. However, if the sampling process is not carefully considered when designing the research project, you run the risk of having an ungeneralisable sample, from which you are unable to draw accurate inferences. It is therefore very important to have a good understanding of research sampling and the common errors to look out for.

    This guide provides information on research sampling best practices, how to ensure your sample is representative, and the various sampling techniques commonly used in qualitative and quantitative research methods.

    Key points covered in this guide

    • How to ensure your study sample is representative
    • What to consider when recruiting study participants to join your sample
    • Quantitative research sampling techniques
    • Qualitative research sampling techniques

    First published: 12 April 2023

    Click here to visit the Research Sampling Hub

Your research team & PPIE

Below you'll find two educational hubs which will help you build your perfect research team and understand which other stakeholders may help you throughout your research project.

An effective research team will determine the success of your research delivery. Ideally, your team should work collaboratively, drawing on a range of complementary, interdisciplinary knowledge bases to drive your research forward. It's important to consider what experiences and professional expertise your team members can bring to the table, ensuring you involve a broad range of perspectives to prevent bias or gaps in knowledge.

  • Building a team and collaborating
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    An effective research team will determine the success of your research delivery. Ideally, your team should work collaboratively, drawing on a range of complimentary, interdisciplinary knowledge bases to drive your research forward. If participants are not as invested in or supportive of the research project, they may not engage in communications as consistently and delay progress. It is therefore extremely important to carefully consider who you recruit to be a part of your research team.

    This guide will introduce you to the importance of working collaboratively, who should be included in your research group, how to define the roles of each group member, and the potential challenges of multidisciplinary work.

    Key points covered in this guide

    • The key members of a research group and their roles
    • How to identify an effective supervisor
    • A mentor's role in your research projects
    • How to overcome the challenges of multidisciplinary collaboration 

    First published: 23 March 2023

    Click here to visit the Building a Team and Collaborating Hub

  • Public and Patient Involvement and Engagement in Research
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    Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE), in research, refers to actively working with patients, carers, and/or members of the public as part of the research planning, design, management, and reporting process.

    “Nothing about me without me”

    PPIE can be thought of as a collaboration or partnership between researchers and members of the public, through which research is co-produced. PPIE can also be referred to as Public Involvement (PI) or Patient, Carer and Public Involvement (PCPI) in research. Sometimes the terms service user, lay member or consumer are used, rather than patient or member of the public.

    This guide will introduce you to the importance of consistent patient and public engagement in research. For information on PPIE in service evaluation or quality improvement, please refer to our hubs on these specific topics.

    Key points covered in this guide

    • Why involve patients & public in pharmacy research?
    • How to select patient & public team members
    • The importance of patient & public contributions throughout the research cycle

    First published: 28 April 2023

    Click here to visit the Public and Patient Involvement and Engagement in Research Hub

Sharing your research findings

Below you'll find three educational hubs covering everything you need to know before starting the research process.

One of the main goals of pharmacy research is to generate new evidence that can then be used to inform best practice. To impact clinical practice, you need to be able to effectively disseminate ad communicate your research findings to your target audience(s).

  • Reporting, publishing, dissemination, and impact
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    One of the main goals of pharmacy research is to generate new evidence that can then be used to inform best practices.

    This guide provides information on effective research communication and dissemination strategies to achieve maximum impact. An overview of the purpose and principles of a good communication plan will enable you to maximise the benefits of your research.

    Key points covered in this guide:

    • 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

    First published:  25 October 2022

    Click here to visit the Reporting, Publishing, Dissemination, and Impact Hub

  • Writing a winning abstract
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    An abstract provides a summary of the key information from a full-length research publication. When written effectively, abstracts should provide sufficient information to allow readers to have a thorough understanding of the research and its outcomes without reading the whole paper. This allows readers to efficiently classify papers as relevant or not relevant to their interests.

    Key points covered in this guide

    • The purpose and importance of abstracts
    • The key information which should be included in an abstract
    • The common pitfalls of abstract writing

    First published: 25 October 2022

    Click here to visit the Writing a Winning Abstract Hub

  • Presenting at a research conference
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    Research conferences provide a brilliant opportunity to disseminate your research and network with other professionals within your field. Understanding how to effectively communicate your research at conferences is therefore extremely important.

    This guide provides information and advice on research conferences, the abstract submission process, and how to craft effective poster and oral presentations.

    Key points covered in this guide

    • The importance of research conferences in research dissemination
    • An overview of the abstract submission process
    • How to craft an effective poster presentation
    • How to deliver a formal oral presentation

    First published: 09 March 2023

    Click here to visit the Presenting at a Research Conference Hub

  • Journal publications
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    Research journals provide a brilliant platform to disseminate your research to other professionals within your field. Publishing your research provides others with the opportunity to review and scrutinise your research, or to build upon the findings from your study. Understanding how to effectively communicate your research and navigate the peer-review process is therefore extremely important.

    This guide provides advice on how to choose the best journal for your research/audience, as well as how to successfully navigate the peer-review process.

    Key points covered in this guide

    • The importance of journal publications
    • How to choose the right journal for your research
    • The importance of the peer-review process
    • Timescale of research publications

    First published: 17 March 2023

    Click here to visit the Journal Publication Hub

Evaluation, audit, and quality improvement

Below you'll find three educational hubs which will help you understand how to evaluate the changes that have been implemented based on past research findings, and how to conduct research that will help improve existing services and/or programmes.

  • Clinical Audit
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    Clinical audit is vital.

    First and foremost for patient care and safety, and additionally for the development and improvement of your professional practice.

    This guide will support you in preparing for and conducting your clinical audits. So you can demonstrate your excellent services and identify areas where you can enable real improvements.

    Key points covered in this guide

    • What is a clinical audit?
    • Why is a clinical audit important?
    • What are the steps for conducting an audit?
    • Audit templates

    First published: 17 November 2016

    Click here to visit the Clinical Audit Hub

  • Service Evaluation
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    This guide aims to highlight the value of service evaluation in pharmacy and inspire you to develop your confidence and knowledge of evaluation as part of your professional role.

    Key points covered in this guide

    • Introduction to service evaluation
    • The benefits of conducting a service evaluation
    • Summary of the main stages of a service evaluation
    • Impact of service evaluations and integration into practice

    First published: 13 June 2023

    Click here to visit the Service Evaluation Hub

  • Quality Improvement
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    This guide will provide an introduction to Quality Improvement (QI) and a summary of the different QI approaches.

    Key points covered in this guide

    • What is QI and what are the main benefits?
    • QI models and methods
    • QI data collection and analysis
    • Impact of QI and integration into practice

    First published: 14 September 2023

    Click here to visit the Quality Improvement Hub

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

Also check out our bespoke e-learning series, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and aimed at practitioners with little or no experience of research.

We offer a range of research support services to help you develop your research potential.

If you need help getting started, get in touch with our research team at [email protected].

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