The importance of rigor in pharmacy research: Challenges and solutions

Abstract

Scientific rigor broadly refers to upholding basic principles within the conduct of research. Various threats associated with rigor exist in today's research environment, such as the replication crisis, the increasing prevalence of misconduct, and a loss of public trust in regulatory and educational institutions. The purpose of this commentary is to identify problems and solutions associated with research rigor, with a focus on pharmacy research. Problems exist at many levels, including within variable research training/funding, institutional pressures associated with career advancement, and norms associated with academic publishing. However, solutions are possible as methods of harm reduction, including (but not limited to) focused initiatives supporting rigor, team-based approaches to research that include diverse interested parties, and a reimagining of what constitutes value within science. Pharmacists and pharmacy researchers are called upon to uphold research rigor as a professional and ethical responsibility.