Institute members are invited to review the results of a recently-conducted member survey. A report summarizing the results of the survey is available at this link.
AIHP sent an email to all of its members in December 2022 inviting them to complete a linked survey form. A total of 85 member responded, representing approximately 22% of total membership.
In response to a question inquiring why members choose to support AIHP, 86% of respondents identified collecting and preserving pharmacy-related documents and artifacts as either “very important” or “extremely important.” Other top reasons for supporting AIHP include “want[ing] to learn more about the history of pharmacy and pharmaceuticals” and “want[ing] to be part of a community of people who share an interest in [pharmacy history].”
When asked to indicate whether they agreed or disagreed with certain statements about AIHP operations, 95% of respondents agreed that “[i]t is important that AIHP publish a journal that features scholarly, peer-reviewed articles on topics related to the history of pharmacy and pharmaceuticals.” Over 90% of respondents agreed that “AIHP’s mission should encompass all aspects (i.e., scientific, social, cultural, etc.) of the history of pharmacy and pharmaceuticals,” while a smaller number – 65% — indicated that “[a] main focus of AIHP’s work should be on the history of the practice of pharmacy.”
The survey also asked members to indicate which of the Institute’s current activities and programs they value most. 88% of respondents said “collecting and preserving pharmacy-related documents and artifacts and making them accessible to researchers” was either “very” or “extremely” important. Also receiving high levels of support was publication of the History of Pharmacy and Pharmaceuticals (81%) and offering online educational programs and webinars on pharmacy history topics (71%).
When asked where AIHP should expand its current work if adequate resources were available, 95% of respondents said the Institute should increase efforts to better describe its historical collections and make digital images available online. 90% of respondents said AIHP should expand efforts to promote interest in the history of pharmacy among pharmacy students.
AIHP President John Grabenstein, PhD said the member survey was conducted to provide the Institute’s Board of Directors and staff with more insight into members’ view and priorities. He said the Institute’s leaders will use the survey results to help guide decision-making.
Posted: March 13, 2023
The American Institute of the History of Pharmacy is documenting and preserving pharmacy stories and experiences during the COVID-19 global pandemic for the benefit of future historians and scholars. We seek to record the effects of this public health emergency on all types of pharmacy experiences. We invite you to share your pharmacy stories, photos, videos, artifacts, and other documentation of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.