Architecture of pharmacies: community pharmacy service users’ and staffs’ experiences of the community pharmacy spaces

"Background
The community pharmacy is the most accessed health space in the UK and many other countries. However, we currently do not know what effects, for example, a small and cluttered pharmacy consultation room, pharmacy counter, shop floor or dispensary could have on pharmacy patients and staff. The community pharmacy profession has experienced significant developments over the years; however, spaces where these new pharmacy services are delivered have not been examined. What could this mean for pharmacy patients and staff?
This PhD will build on the Pharmacy Research UK funded study Architecture of Pharmacies: Co-designing pharmacy spaces, Principal Investigator Dr Dhital. We will encourage the student to apply a range of qualitative, quantitative and/or mixed methods approaches to explore how community pharmacy spaces are experienced by pharmacy service users and staff and identify implications for creating healthy and inclusive environments.
Doctorate researcher development
This interdisciplinary research will involve collaborative working with colleagues across architecture, arts, psychology and health design related fields, both within and outside the University of Reading. The student will also have opportunities to engage with Architecture of Pharmacies study industry collaborators from: pharmacy practice (NHS Lambeth and Berkshire area); architecture (including Cullinan Studio and Sarah Wigglesworth Architects) and the arts (Royal Society for Sculptors). We are committed to supporting the development of our students during and beyond the PhD. This will involve developing skills on independent and critical thinking, academic writing, research management, publishing in peer reviewed journals, presentation skills and networking. For more information please contact Dr Dhital r.dhital@reading.ac.uk "