Asleep at the Wheel: Pharmacy Practice Research Advocacy and Knowledge Translation by Canadian Pharmacy Organizations

Abstract

Background: The Blueprint for Pharmacy clearly articulates the need and imperative for pharmacy practice to move toward patient-centred care. Pharmacy professional organizations have a crucial role to play in this change, through leadership, communication and advocacy. This survey aimed to determine what knowledge translation (KT) activities were performed by Canadian pharmacy professional organizations in relation to a major pharmacy practice study. Methods: We sent a letter summarizing the findings and implications of the recently published hypertension trial, SCRIP- HTN, to the leaders of each pharmacy regulatory and advocacy body in Canada. Six months later, we followed up with these groups to inquire about KT activities that had been performed around the study findings. Results: Of the 22 organizations, 3 performed some type of KT activity. The major barrier to KT cited by the regulatory bodies was that it was not their job. The most common reason given by the advocacy bodies was that the study or its implications were not a priority. Other barriers included lack of time, lack of resources and political issues. Conclusion: KT and advocacy by our pharmacy professional organizations was practically nonexistent. This must change if we are to put into effect the vision of the Blueprint for Pharmacy for pharmacy practice change and optimal patient care.