A cross sectional survey of Australian and New Zealand specialist trainees’ research experiences and outputs

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveTo explore medical trainees’ experiences and views concerning college-mandated research projects.SettingOnline survey (Apr-Dec 2021) of current and recent past trainees of Australian and New Zealand colleges recruited through 11 principal colleges and snowballing.ParticipantsCurrent trainee or completed training in the past 5 years.Main outcome measuresWe asked participants: whether they were required to conduct research as part of their college training, how they conducted their research, and their research activity after training. Respondents were invited to submit project reports for reporting and methodological quality evaluation. Data were analysed descriptively.ResultsOf the 372 respondents, 313 (86%) were required to complete one or more projects. Of the 177 who had completed their project (representing 267 projects), 76 provided information on 92 studies, with 34 reports submitted for evaluation. Most respondents developed their own research questions, study design and protocol, and conducted research in their own time, with 56% (38/68) stating they had the skills to complete their project. Most project teams consisted of their own medical specialty followed by statisticians, but seldom others.44% (30/68) were satisfied with their research experience, and 53% (36/67) supported mandatory projects. Half (87/174) felt research was important for career development, 72% (44/61) considered initiating research post-training, and 54% (33/61) participated in it.Commonly expressed themes were time-burden of conducting projects, production of research waste, and the importance of research for skills development. Of the 34 submitted reports, 75% were published and 82% had a clear research question. Only three had a low risk of bias.ConclusionMajority of respondents conducted projects, but few shared details or reports. Despite valuing their research experiences and seeing clinical relevance, time conflicts and research waste were common concerns. Colleges should focus on enhanced research methods training and creating trainee research collaboratives.Protocol registrationhttps://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/BNGZKSummary boxMajority of medical specialty trainees are required to conduct a research project to develop their research skills.We found the learning experiences are inconsistent, and the quality of research produced even more so.A new approach is required that is tailored to the research skills required by most practicing clinicians, namely being expert in applying research to practice and in participating in collaborative research. Those wishing to become leaders in research should be supported to do so via a specialised well-supported pathway.