Analysis of textual responses to explore barriers, enablers, and motivators for cultivating research capacity: a statewide study of hospital pharmacy staff

INTRODUCTION: Studies show that embedding research within healthcare services is associated with improved patient outcomes, enhanced workforce satisfaction, and increases in system performance. However, limited evidence exists regarding the research culture and capacity among hospital pharmacy staff in Australia. AIM: This research aimed to assess the research barriers, enablers, and motivators of a statewide public hospital pharmacy service at the organizational, team, and individual levels in Queensland, Australia. METHOD: This study forms part of a statewide, prospective, cross-sectional survey conducted across 16 public hospitals and health services in Queensland, Australia. Using the validated Research Capacity in Context Tool, data were collected via a survey that included open-ended questions to explore research barriers, enablers, and motivators. Reflexive, inductive thematic analysis was conducted to identify key themes and subthemes in free-text responses, with subthemes mapped against the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behaviour model and the Theoretical Domains Framework. RESULTS: Of the 481 survey participants, 401 provided open-ended responses. Six overarching themes and 14 subthemes were developed that influence research engagement. Themes are time and workload constraints, building research capacity, support from management, career progression and personal satisfaction, altruistic motivators, and navigating research processes. Lack of protected research time, limited access to resources, and variation in leadership support were prominent barriers to research uptake. Enablers of research uptake included availability of mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, intrinsic interest, and desire to contribute to patient-centered care. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the multifaceted barriers and enablers that act as motivators to cultivate research capacity within hospital pharmacy departments. Addressing concerns such as protected research time, mentorship, and streamlined governance processes is essential to nurturing a sustainable research culture.