A narrative review of student research projects in United States pharmacy curricula

Background: This study explored existing literature on student research projects in United States pharmacy curricula. Methods: In August 2023, searches were conducted in two databases, PubMed and Embase, followed by pharmacy education journals and Google Scholar. Articles were reviewed by two researchers and included if they described or evaluated pharmacy student research projects between 2010 and 2023. Results: Ten articles representing data from six schools were included. Students from most schools had the option to work individually or in groups. The timing of projects in the curriculum varied, with most students working on them from years three through four, though other schools began their projects earlier in the curriculum. Many students presented or published their projects. Conclusion: The similarities and differences for student pharmacist research projects in the United States may affect pharmacy education as colleges of pharmacy review their curricula and determine whether they should also incorporate or revise a research project component in their programmes. Future evaluation may include a systematic review as more literature on student pharmacist research projects becomes available.