Research by residents: Obstacles and opportunities

Barriers and facilitators to conducting research by early career psychiatrists: a literature review

“…Seven studies identified a lack of uninterrupted time as a factor impacting research activity (Mitwalli, Al Ghamdi & Moussa, 2014, Williams, Curran, 1998, Torous, Padmanabhan, 2014, Laliberte et al, 2016. In a national study of psychiatric trainees in Portugal (n = 80), only 32% were involved in any type of research project and lack of time (15.4%) was among the top three reasons for non-involvement in research (Pinto da Costa et al, 2013).…”

“…Many trainees are intimidated by research and feel they do not know enough to contribute. Trainees can feel uncertain about their choice of projects and of finding a suitable research question (Torous, Padmanabhan, 2014, Balon, Singh, 2001, Myint et al, 2006, Williams, Curran, 1998. Having a competent and dedicated mentor has been identified as a significant moderator of research participation (Iversen, Eady & Wessely, 2014, Kuzman et al, 2009, Laliberte et al, 2016, Mitwalli et al, 2014, Williams, Curran, 1998, Pinto da Costa et al, 2013.…”

“…Generally, lack of time for research was the obstacle most frequently indicated, as trainees are occupied with studying and clinical rotations (Williams, to promote future interest in academic careers (Laliberte et al, 2016). This might help to balance research time and clinical work due to the experience of the trainee researchers (Torous, Padmanabhan, 2014). Compulsory research activities that are well-supported and organized might help involve trainees in a more structured way (Rosenkranz, Wang & Hu, 2015).…”

“…Funding and dedicated research time is a major issue for trainees in psychiatry, as stated by five studies in the field (Bartels et al, 2010, Laliberte et al, 2016, Silberman et al, 2012, Schnitzlein et al, 2015, Torous, Padmanabhan, 2014. It has to be stressed that the availability of funding for independent research together with the option to publish one's own research results are the strongest predictors of the future engagement in research activities (Ross et al, 2009).…”

“…Other research indicates that only 10-20% of trainees lack interest in taking up an academic career (Kuzman et al, 2009, Williams, Curran, 1998. Getting experience in research early in training enables ECPs to balance research time as well as clinical work, and might have an impact on their professional choices (Torous, Padmanabhan, 2014). However, in child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP), only one third of all curricula across Europe offer mandatory research training (Simmons et al, 2012).…”