Medical College of Wisconsin
CTSIResearch InformaticsREDCap

Research as identity: Exposure, confidence, perceptions, and motivators among pharmacy students in a practice-based research network. Curr Pharm Teach Learn 2026 Mar;18(3):102559

Date

12/22/2025

Pubmed ID

41422683

DOI

10.1016/j.cptl.2025.102559

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-105025124487 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Pharmacist and student perceptions of research have been extensively studied; however, student members of a practice-based research network (PBRN) are a unique population. This study aimed to explore the characteristics and perceptions of student members of PearlRx, a PBRN of pharmacists, technicians, and students in Wisconsin.

METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted. Student members of the PBRN were surveyed on their exposure to research, confidence in their research-related knowledge and skills, perceptions of research, reasons for joining the PBRN, and the role of research within the profession. Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics while qualitative data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's six-step thematic analysis.

RESULTS: Twenty-eight of 172 student members responded to the survey for a response rate of 16.3 %. Most had been exposed to a variety of sources and types of research before (64.3 %) and during (67.9 %) pharmacy school. Students connected research to seven domains of professional identity with 30.4 % identifying conducting research as a professional role. Students had positive perceptions of the importance of research and their research-related knowledge and skills. Students endorsed 14 reasons for joining the network.

CONCLUSION: Student members of a PBRN may actively seek out research opportunities during pharmacy school, including PBRN membership, to prepare for their careers. Students recognized multiple professional domains in which research played a role, and exposure to pharmacist-led research through the PBRN may contribute to this perspective.

Author List

Rotzenberg K, Lor KB, Ray SC

Author

Kajua B. Lor PharmD Chair, Professor in the School of Pharmacy Operations department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Humans
Male
Motivation
Perception
Students, Pharmacy
Surveys and Questionnaires
Wisconsin