The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) is pleased to announce a new research grant program as part of its strategic plan implementation. This program aims to support evidenced-based advocacy by awarding funding to PSGH members who propose implementation research projects in the selected thematic areas.

For the purposes of this grant, implementation research refers to a specific type of research focused on understanding and improving the adoption and effectiveness of interventions (programs, policies, practices) in real-world settings. While the PSGH has identified themes, implementation research goes beyond just exploring those areas and delves deeper into how to effectively implement changes that address them.

The Society encourages projects that not only generate valuable knowledge but also have a tangible impact on improving pharmaceutical practices and patient care in Ghana. To increase the chances of your proposal being funded, please consider some key characteristics of implementation research relevant to the PSGH grant below:

  • Focus on real-world contexts: Your study should focus on interventions in the settings where they will be used, for example, community pharmacies, wholesale pharmacies, hospitals, or industries. This ensures the research findings are applicable and address practical challenges.
  • Examine factors influencing implementation: Analyze what helps or hinders the successful adoption and effectiveness of an intervention. This could include factors like leadership support, resources, training, cultural acceptability, and existing regulations.
  • Develop and test strategies to improve implementation: Aim to identify and refine strategies that can overcome barriers and enhance the impact of interventions. This may involve piloting new approaches, evaluating their effectiveness and adapting them based on the findings.
  • Engage stakeholders: Actively involve relevant stakeholders like pharmacists, patients, policymakers, and community members in the research process. This ensures the research reflects their needs and perspectives and increases the chances of successful implementation.

 

Thematic Areas

In the context of the PSGH grant, implementation research projects could explore:

  • Impact of in-patient pharmaceutical care on health outcomes and health economics:How does access to in-patient pharmaceutical care affect clinical outcomes and healthcare costs?
    • Implementation: How to best implement in-patient pharmaceutical care services in Ghanaian hospitals to improve patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness.
  • Regulatory compliance in Community Pharmacies: To what extent do community pharmacies comply with regulations, including but not limited to Pharmacists’ supervision and what are the challenges and opportunities for improvement?
  • Implementation: Strategies to enhance regulatory compliance in community pharmacies, considering the specific challenges and limitations in the Ghanaian context.
  • Analysis of national workforce capacity for local production of pharmaceuticals: What are the workforce gaps, and opportunities for building a pharmaceutical workforce capable of supporting local pharmaceutical production?
    • Implementation: Effective ways to build a skilled workforce for local pharmaceutical production, addressing training needs, infrastructure, and job opportunities.
  • Pharmaceuticals market trend and forecast analysis: What is the value of the pharmaceutical economy? What are the current trends and future forecasts for the Ghanaian pharmaceutical market?
    • Implementation: Mathematical and Statistical model to monitor trends and to forecast the pharmaceutical market
  • Systems for monitoring the availability and prices of locally produced and imported medicines: How can we develop and implement effective systems to monitor the availability and affordability of medicines in Ghana?
    • Implementation: Methods to develop and implement a sustainable system for monitoring medicine availability and pricing, ensuring accessibility and affordability for all Ghanaians.

Eligibility

This grant program is open to all registered members of the PSGH who are actively involved in research or have the capacity to conduct research, including pharmacists in healthcare, academia, regulation, among others. Collaborative proposals involving multiple PSGH members are encouraged.

Funding

The PSGH will award one grant for each thematic area, unless a determination is made by the review committee that two or more projects in a particular category are complementary. The grant amount is unspecified at this stage as it will be based on the scope of work and detailed justification of each cost item in the proposed budget.

Proposal Requirements

All proposals must include the following and must not exceed six ten (10) pages.

  • Title of the research project
  • Principal Investigator (PI) and co-investigator(s) information, including affiliations and contact details
  • Background and significance of the research question
  • Methodology outlining the research design, data collection and analysis methods.
  • Timeline and work plan
  • Budget breakdown, including justification for all expenses.
  • Ethical considerations and potential risks and benefits of the research
  • Dissemination plan outlining how the research findings will be shared and used.
  • Letter of support from the PI’s affiliation (if applicable)

Submission and Deadline 

Proposals must be submitted by email to dexecsecretary@psgh.org or editor@psgh.org by 19th March 2024 at 23: 59. Please include “PSGH Research Grant Proposal” in the subject line.

Upload detailed CV of Principal Investigator(s) and all collaborators.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview.

Selection Criteria

Proposals will be reviewed by a selection committee composed of experts in pharmacy, research methodology, and the specific thematic areas. Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Relevance to the PSGH strategic plan and thematic areas
  • Clarity and feasibility of the research question and methodology
  • Soundness of the research design and data analysis plan
  • Qualifications and experience of the PI and co-investigator(s)
  • Budget justification and cost-effectiveness
  • Dissemination plan and potential impact of the research

Timeline

  • 19th March 2024: Deadline for proposal submission
  • 26th / 27th March 2024: Interview of shortlisted applicants
  • 3rd April 2024: Notification of selected applicants
  •  11th April 2024: Signing of Grant agreement and disbursement of funds

Additional Information

  • This call for proposals is subject to change without notice.
  • PSGH reserves the right to not award any grants if proposals do not meet the required standards.
  • Funding is subject to the availability of Funds.
  • For further inquiries, please contact dexecsecretary@psgh.org / +233 55075129

Lady Pharmacists are particularly encouraged to apply.

Download the full call for proposal here…PSGH RESEARCH GRANT CALL FOR PROPOSAL