RPS secures contract to produce e-learning modules to help build pharmacy professionals' research skills

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has secured a contract with the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) to deliver a suite of e-learning modules to help pharmacy professionals "become more research active".

The new online resources -- due to be launched next summer -- are aimed at pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who may not have followed an academic career path or have had little or no experience of research delivery. The e-learning package will allow them to gain new skills so they feel more confident to engage with research and research opportunities.

Nine modules are being developed covering how to transform ideas into a research project, find and evaluate evidence and choose the appropriate research methods whilst learning how to apply for research funding and deal with governance issues and publication.

Gail Fleming, director of Education and Professional Development at RPS, said: "Building pharmacists’ knowledge and skills in research can help provide the evidence-base to improve the practice of pharmacy and the health of the public.

"These modules will play an important role in supporting the development of clinical academic career pathways and addressing the current situation where pharmacy professionals are underrepresented in the uptake of NIHR funded clinical research training.”

According to RPS, the e-learning will be hosted on the NIHR Learn platform, and all pharmacy professionals can sign up for an account for this by visiting here.