Kate Hames1, Michael Patlas2, Richard Duszak3. 1. Department of Radiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: kathleen.hames@medportal.ca. 2. Department of Radiology, McMaster University, Hamilton General Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. 3. Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The study sought to identify and characterise barriers to research for Canadian diagnostic radiology residents and suggest potential solutions to enhance future research success. METHODS: Institutional research board approval was obtained. Electronic surveys were solicited from all postgraduate year 2-5 diagnostic radiology residents at all 16 programs across Canada. The survey focused on key factors inhibiting research during training. RESULTS: Of all 400 Canadian diagnostic radiology residents, 88 (22%) responded. Of respondents, 86% reported research experience before residency, with 19% holding a nonphysician graduate degree. All indicated that research was a requirement for completion of their residency. The most important reported factors limiting resident research were time constraints (67%), personal disinterest (32%), and inadequate mentorship (32%). Although 44% reported dedicated residency program research training, 40% reported no such opportunities. Among the various time constraints, respondents cited studying demands (61%), on-call demands (52%), and daily clinical duties (38%) as strong or significant barriers to research. Most (63%) indicated their program provided at least some protected research time, but 21% were not aware of such protected time availability. When available, protected research time was modest, and ranged from 0.5 days/month to 3 months, with the majority of respondents citing 1 month of protected research time. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic radiology residents in Canada report numerous barriers to research. Programs seeking to enhance radiology research should focus on providing appropriate training, protected time, and mentorship.
PURPOSE: The study sought to identify and characterise barriers to research for Canadian diagnostic radiology residents and suggest potential solutions to enhance future research success. METHODS: Institutional research board approval was obtained. Electronic surveys were solicited from all postgraduate year 2-5 diagnostic radiology residents at all 16 programs across Canada. The survey focused on key factors inhibiting research during training. RESULTS: Of all 400 Canadian diagnostic radiology residents, 88 (22%) responded. Of respondents, 86% reported research experience before residency, with 19% holding a nonphysician graduate degree. All indicated that research was a requirement for completion of their residency. The most important reported factors limiting resident research were time constraints (67%), personal disinterest (32%), and inadequate mentorship (32%). Although 44% reported dedicated residency program research training, 40% reported no such opportunities. Among the various time constraints, respondents cited studying demands (61%), on-call demands (52%), and daily clinical duties (38%) as strong or significant barriers to research. Most (63%) indicated their program provided at least some protected research time, but 21% were not aware of such protected time availability. When available, protected research time was modest, and ranged from 0.5 days/month to 3 months, with the majority of respondents citing 1 month of protected research time. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic radiology residents in Canada report numerous barriers to research. Programs seeking to enhance radiology research should focus on providing appropriate training, protected time, and mentorship.
Authors: Satish Chandrasekhar Nair; Halah Ibrahim; Farida Almarzoqi; Aysha Alkhemeiri; Jayadevan Sreedharan Journal: J Family Med Prim Care Date: 2019-03