# Adaptation of Research Project Requirement at Pharmacy Undergraduate Studies: Students' Perception, Attitude, and Experiences

## TL;DR

This study explores pharmacy students' attitudes and experiences after completing a research project in their final year of studies.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into students' perceptions and challenges faced during a newly introduced research project in pharmacy education.

## Key findings

- Most students (93.8%) believe research is significant in pharmacy.
- Students found the research project a worthwhile learning experience (94.2%).
- Motivation came from curriculum requirements and skill development, while barriers included lack of training and time.

## Abstract

To determine the final year pharmacy undergraduate students' attitudes toward research after completing a research project.

A research project was introduced in the final year of the PharmD program in January 2022. After a period of one year, in Janurary 2023, students submitted their final research to the faculty members. The survey was conducted from 1st March to 30st April 2023 using a study tool that contained items asking students' demographic, their research perceptions, attitude and experience, and also motivation/barriers faced during the research project. Descriptive and t-test statistics were utilized to compare the means of subgroups at a level of significance, i.e., p < 0.05. The data were also analyzed using Goodman and Kruskal's gamma and Mann–Whitney U test.

Majority of the students (93.8%) agreed regarding the significance of research in the pharmacy profession. Students were found to have their projects a worthwhile learning opportunity (94.2%). Students' motivation to execute research project stems from mandatory curriculum courses, improving clinical or hospital pharmacist training and fulfilling research skills (90%). Barriers hindered include lack of training, time, and patient follow-up (approximately 70%).

The current study's finding was concluded with the fact that research is a valuable component of a well-rounded education and can enhance a pharmacist's skills. However, they need a combination of formal education and practical experience to pursue a profession in pharmacy.