Enhancing Pharmacy Practice Research: Insights from the Granada Statements

The realm of pharmacy practice research is continuously evolving, encompassing both clinical and social aspects. The recent publication of the Granada Statements offers a roadmap for enhancing the quality of research publications in this field. These statements provide 18 recommendations across six key areas: terminology use, impactful abstracts, peer reviews, journal scattering, metrics usage, and journal selection. By implementing these guidelines, practitioners can significantly improve their research skills and contribute to advancing pharmacy practice as a scientific discipline.

The Importance of Consistent Terminology

One of the critical insights from the Granada Statements is the need for consistent terminology. In pharmacy practice research, inconsistent use of terms can lead to confusion and hinder the visibility of scholarly work. The statements recommend establishing a commonly accepted glossary and ensuring that standardized terminology is used in publications. This consistency not only aids in systematic literature reviews but also enhances the retrieval of articles from bibliographic databases.

Crafting Impactful Abstracts

Abstracts play a crucial role in determining an article's visibility and impact. The Granada Statements emphasize using existing Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms in titles and abstracts to improve indexing and retrieval. Authors are encouraged to carefully select MeSH terms that accurately reflect their work's content, thereby increasing the likelihood of their research being discovered and cited.

The Role of Peer Review

The peer review process is essential for maintaining publication quality. However, it faces challenges such as reviewer shortages and prolonged review times. The statements suggest that researchers become more involved as peer reviewers to expedite the publication process. Additionally, mentoring students to serve as peer reviewers can cultivate a new generation of contributors who understand the importance of constructive feedback.

Addressing Journal Scattering

Pharmacy practice researchers often scatter their articles across numerous journals outside their field, which can dilute the impact of their findings. The Granada Statements recommend prioritizing pharmacy practice journals for significant work to ensure that peer reviewers with deep knowledge in the field can provide valuable feedback. This approach not only strengthens the discipline but also enhances article quality through targeted reviews.

Wise Use of Metrics

The obsession with journal-based impact metrics has led researchers to prioritize publication venues based on perceived prestige rather than relevance. The statements advocate for using individual-based metrics to assess researcher performance more accurately. Educating students on responsible metric use can shift focus from quantity to quality in research contributions.

Selecting Appropriate Journals

Choosing the right journal for submission is crucial for maximizing an article's impact. The Granada Statements encourage collaboration between authors and editors to identify suitable journals early in the submission process. By aligning manuscript topics with journal scopes, authors can reduce desk rejections and enhance their work's visibility within relevant academic circles.

The Granada Statements serve as a valuable guide for pharmacy practice researchers aiming to elevate their work's quality and impact. By adopting these recommendations, practitioners can contribute to a more cohesive and recognized scientific discipline.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Improving the quality of publications in and advancing the paradigms of clinical and social pharmacy practice research: The Granada statements.