Int J Pharm Pract 1998:6:46-58

School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Portsmouth University, St Michael's Building, White Swan Road, Portsmouth, England PO1 2DT
Paul M. Rutter, BPharm, MRPharmS, Moss research practitioner
David Brown, PhD, MRPharmS, senior lecturer in clinical pharmacy
Ian F. Jones, professor of pharmacy practice

Correspondence: Mr Rutter

Review articles

Pharmacy research: the place of work measurement

PAUL M. RUTTER, DAVID BROWN and IAN F. JONES

In this review, work measurement techniques involved in establishing what pharmacists do and how they perform their various duties are described. Initially, a comprehensive literature search was undertaken using Medline, Pharmline and Bath Information and Data Services (BIDS). Seven methods of work measurement were found to have been used in pharmacy research. Each method is explained and its applicability to pharmacy research evaluated. Work measurement studies have proved to be of value in analysing individual jobs and quantifying institutional staffing levels. By understanding both the advantages and disadvantages of each method, the pharmacist researcher should be able to choose the most appropriate method for his or her own investigation.