National survey of solid organ transplant pharmacist training and early career research publication success

Introduction The variability of clinical research experiences for solid organ transplant (SOT) trainees is complex and involves close inspection of program personnel, values, and expectations. It is unknown how these variables impact early career publication (ECP) success and continued participation in research. Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of ECPs among SOT clinical pharmacists, to describe training and early career research experiences, and to describe factors associated with ECPs. Methods A 53-question electronic survey was distributed through three SOT pharmacy listservs from 11/1/202 to 12/3/2021. Eligible respondents were SOT pharmacists who completed specialty training from 2015 to 2021. The survey captured data on publication success, perception of training received, and early career research endeavors. Multivariate analysis assessed factors associated with ECP. Results A total of 92 individuals were included in the analysis (36.9% response rate). A majority of respondents were female (73.9%), completed postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) residency training only (93.5%), and currently serve in hybrid clinical specialist positions (having inpatient and outpatient roles) (67.4%). The incidence ECP among respondents was 42.3% (33/78). Within their jobs, research and/or quality assurance and performance improvement (QAPI) participation was common (83.3%, 65/78). Protected time for research (21.8%, 17/78) and formal research mentorship (7.7%, 6/78) were not frequent and did not alter ECP success. Multiple publications during training (odds ratio [OR] 13.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.90-101.37, P = 0.01) was associated with ECP. SOT pharmacists with hybrid clinical specialist positions had lower ECP obtainment (OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.004-0.89, P = 0.04). Conclusions The incidence of ECP was 42.3%. Research and QAPI are common components of SOT training and SOT pharmacists' jobs, yet experiences are diverse with great variability for support and structure guiding these endeavors and influencing their eventual success.