Attitudes, barriers, motivators and utilization of clinical research: a cross-sectional survey of hospital pharmacists

Objectives Research is crucial for improving patients' healthcare. Although pharmacists' important role in implementing research has been emphasized by different health organizations, pharmacist's participation in research is still suboptimal.This study aims to evaluate hospital pharmacists and assistant pharmacists' attitudes, barriers and motivators towards clinical research practice and research utilization in practice settings. Methods This cross-sectional study used an online-validated questionnaire which evaluated socio-demographics, attitudes, barriers and motivators which Jordanian hospital pharmacists and assistant pharmacists have to implement clinical research and extent of its utilization in practice settings. Analysis of Covariance was modelled to evaluate the differences in the factors' scores between different groups. Multiple linear regressions were conducted to assess the effect of the attitudes and motivators scores on the research utility practice score. Key findings A total of 316 responses were collected.The means for attitudes, motivators, and research utilization scores were 3.84, 3.84 and 3.80, respectively. The most agreed motivator was the role of research in the enhancement of the service to patients (mean = 4.19). The most reported research barriers were lack of time and support (57.6% and 44.3%, respectively). Linear regression analysis showed that attitudes (regression coefficient (b)= 0.34, P< 0.01) and motivators (b = 0.18, P< 0.01) were significant predictors of the extent of research utilization. Conclusion Jordanian hospital pharmacists and assistant pharmacists had a positive attitude towards research and they are willing to participate in research but they are confronting several obstacles.