scholarly journals Motivating Factors of and Perceived Barriers to Research at a Canadian Medical University with Regional Campuses: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Leigh ◽  
Maroof Khalid ◽  
Jennifer Tsang

Introduction Research training programs are an integral part of a well-rounded medical education. These programs help students contribute to medical knowledge, develop skills in critical evaluation and research dissemination, and they facilitate the training of our future medical researchers. Existing literature suggests barriers including lack of available time and access to projects may hinder a medical student’s research training. These barriers likely differ based on the medical school curriculum, and there exists limited data looking at these attitudes in Canadian students, students outside large academic centers or those in condensed programs. Given this, our study aims to further explore medical students' perceptions, perceived barriers of research in a three-year Canadian undergraduate medical school with regional campuses.   Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of medical students (classes of 2019, 2020 and 2021) representing the main and regional campuses of the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine in Ontario, Canada to explore their attitudes towards research. Descriptive statistics were used to describe participant demographics, research background and attitudes towards research.   Results Overall, 70.4% of students identified as being involved in a research project at some point during their medical school tenure. Motivating factors for research participation included the goal of obtaining a residency spot (63.0%), and interest in their research topic (74.7%). Barriers to research included perceived lack of available time (31.5%), and difficulty in finding a research project (44.5%). Perceived curriculum deficiencies included lack of education in research methodology and appraisal of scientific literature (93.2% and 89.0%, respectively). Lastly, regional campuses tended conduct their research outside of their home campus (43.6% vs 3.3%, p<0.0001).   Conclusion The findings from our study highlighted the students’ attitudes towards research in a Canadian medical school that has multiple campuses and a shortened medical curriculum (3-year). It identifies potential areas of improvement from a student perspective, which can hopefully be utilized by medical educators to continue the improvement of medical trainee research training.

PeerJ ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. e840 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Waqas ◽  
Spogmai Khan ◽  
Waqar Sharif ◽  
Uzma Khalid ◽  
Asad Ali

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie Hinderaker ◽  
David V. Power ◽  
Sharon Allen ◽  
Ellen Parker ◽  
Kolawole Okuyemi

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
G Lo Moro ◽  
F Bert ◽  
E Olivero ◽  
P Rossello ◽  
A Corradi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background A high prevalence of mental illnesseshave been detected in medical students (MS) during college. The aim of this study was to evaluate depressive symptoms (DS) and suicidal ideation (SI) in MS and estimate factors that can influence these conditions. Methods In November 2018 a cross-sectional survey was conducted at the School of Medicine of Turin, Italy. The questionnaire consisted of a 30-item sociodemographic part and 3 psychometric tests, including the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II). Overall, 506 surveys were collected. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed mainly. The significance level was p ≤ 0.05. Results Females were 65% and median age was 22 (IQR 19-24). Median BDI-II score was 9 (IQR 4-15). Presence of DS (BDI-II score&gt;13) and of SI was found in 29% and 15% of the sample, respectively. Preliminary results showed that females (OR 2.03, CI: 1.16-3.56), non-heterosexuals (OR 2.69, CI: 1.49-4-84), participants negative about their college choice (OR 4.79, CI: 2.78-8.26) had a higher risk to report DS. MS who consider unsatisfying their friendships with classmates had a higher likelihood of reporting DS and SI (OR 3.10, CI: 1.16-8.30; OR 2.91, CI: 1.10-7.68, respectively). While the opposite was for those with good economic condition (OR 0.39, CI: 0.16-0.91; OR 0.21, CI: 0.09-0.52, respectively) and those practicing sports more than 90 min/week (OR 0.60, CI: 0.37-0.99; OR 0.47, CI: 0.25-0.89, respectively). Choosing Medicine for profit was related to a higher risk of reporting SI (OR 3.36, CI: 1.43-7.92), having a good family bond to a lower risk instead (OR 0.42, CI: 0.20-0.84). Conclusions Since depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, it has to be a public health priority in Europe. It is essential to consider MS as at risk and set up interventions to improve factors surrounding them and help them to face difficulties in personal and academic life, without forgetting that they will be the future health professionals. Key messages Females, non-heterosexuals, students negative about Medical School choice and students unsatisfied with their friendships with classmates had a higher risk of reporting depressive symptoms. Students unsatisfied with their friendships with classmates and students who chose Medical School for profit had a higher risk of reporting suicidal ideation.


2017 ◽  
Vol 94 (1107) ◽  
pp. 37-42 ◽  
Author(s):  

IntroductionInterpreting, performing and applying research is a key part of evidence-based medical practice, however, incorporating these within curricula is challenging. This study aimed to explore current provision of research skills training within medical school curricula, provide a student-focused needs assessment and prioritise research competencies.MethodsA international, cross-sectional survey of final year UK and Irish medical students was disseminated at each participating university. The questionnaire investigated research experience, and confidence in the Medical Education in Europe (MEDINE) 2 consensus survey research competencies.ResultsFully completed responses were received from 521 final year medical students from 32 medical schools (43.4% male, mean age 24.3 years). Of these, 55.3% had an additional academic qualification (49.5% Bachelor’s degree), and 38.8% had been a named author on an academic publication. Considering audit and research opportunities and teaching experience, 47.2% reported no formal audit training compared with 27.1% who reported no formal research training. As part of their medical school course, 53.4% had not performed an audit, compared with 29.9% who had not participated in any clinical or basic science research. Nearly a quarter of those who had participated in research reported doing so outside of their medical degree course. Low confidence areas included selecting and performing the appropriate statistical test, selecting the appropriate research method, and critical appraisal. Following adjustment, several factors were associated with increased confidence including previous clinical research experience (OR 4.21, 2.66 to 6.81, P<0.001), additional degrees (OR 2.34, 1.47 to 3.75, P<0.001), and male gender (OR 1.90, 1.25 to 2.09, P=0.003). Factors associated with an increase in perceived opportunities included formal research training in the curriculum (OR 1.66, 1.12 to 2.46, P=0.012), audit skills training in the curriculum (OR 1.52, 1.03 to 2.26, P= 0.036) and research methods taught in a student selected component (OR 1.75, 1.21 to 2.54, P=0.003).DiscussionNearly one-third of students lacked formal training on undertaking research, and half of students lacked formal audit training and opportunities to undertake audit as part of their medical school course. The presence of research training in the cirriculum was associated with an increase in perceived opportunities to participate in MEDINE2 research competencies. Female gender and a lack of previous research experience were significant factors influencing confidence and participation in research.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdelrahman Ibrahim Abushouk ◽  
Abdelrahman Nazmy Hatata ◽  
Ibrahim Mahmoud Omran ◽  
Mohammed Mahmoud Youniss ◽  
Khaled Fayez Elmansy ◽  
...  

Background. Despite the key role played by physician-investigators in bridging basic and clinical sciences, their number has declined significantly in the last decades especially in developing countries. Thus, we aimed to investigate attitudes and perceived barriers towards participation in clinical research among medical students in an Egyptian medical school. Methods. We employed a cross-sectional design, in which 420 students from the Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University completed a self-administrated questionnaire to assess their attitudes, perceived barriers, and knowledge about clinical research. The results were analyzed considering the students’ gender, year of enrollment, and high school background. Results. Seventy medical students from each year of enrollment participated in the study. The majority of students (74.2%) agree that undergraduates should participate in clinical research. However, only 23.8% reported engagement in related activities. Students showed low knowledge scores of 1.9±0.3 on a scale of six questions. They highlighted several barriers against research participation including lack of time, proper mentoring, and funding. Conclusion. Although the majority of students showed positive attitudes towards clinical research, they reported low participation in related activities, associated with low knowledge scores. Several barriers should be addressed as lack of time, funding, and proper mentoring.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 162-170
Author(s):  
Sudarshan Paudel ◽  
Krishna B ◽  
Balakrishnan M Acharya

Background: Undergraduate research exposure leads to academically dexterous and professionally unbeaten physicians. Undergraduate medical courses have research curriculum in Nepal but little is known about how students perceive research. The aim of this survey was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and perceived barriers towards research among medical students at Patan Academy of Health Sciences Nepal. Method: A cross-sectional survey based on a questionnaire applied to 253 undergraduate medical students from year two to six enrolled in Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Nepal.  Results: The response rate was 97 %. Majority respondents (78.3%) have viewed that medical curriculum demands sincere dedication and effort at the cost of research funding (71.5%), allocated time for research (61.7%), well-equipped laboratory and technologies. Besides that, ethical approval (47.8%), administrative approval (46.6%) and supportive staff (41.1%) are other barricade to research.   Conclusion: The students have positive perception and attitude towards research. They have faced some barriers thus college needs to train students in research and provide supervision in a small research project. This model would improve academic learning, skills acquisition, encourage student interest in research, reduce barriers to student research and make better use of limited resources.


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