Enablers and Barriers of Research Engagement Among Clinician Researchers: Nursing, Allied Health and Medical Professionals

Sharon Lee,1,2 Janelle Gifford,2,3 Victoria Flood1,2,4 1Western Sydney Local Health District, Research and Education Network, Westmead, 2145, Australia; 2Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown NSW, Australia; 3Sport and Physical Activity Research and Teaching Network (SPARTAN), The University of Sydney, Camperdown NSW, Australia; 4University Centre for Rural Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Lismore, 2480, AustraliaCorrespondence: Professor Victoria Flood, Westmead Hospital, Research & Education Network, Corner Hawkesbury & Darcy Road, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia, Tel + 61288905772, Fax +61288908627, Email Vicki.flood@sydney.edu.auBackground: In response to the increasing involvement of nursing, allied health and medical professionals in research within clinical service roles, understanding the varying research capacities across public health institutions and professions is crucial. This study aims to explore the lived experiences of conducting research among nursing, allied health and medical health professionals within a tertiary public hospital setting in New South Wales (NSW). The focus is on identifying barriers and enablers to research engagement.Methods: Research active health professionals across nursing, allied health and medical professions were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview to discuss enablers and barriers experienced whilst conducting research. All interviews were transcribed verbatim, conceptual and thematic analysis of the interviews was conducted.Results: Nine allied health professionals, eight nurses/midwives and thirteen medical officers were interviewed. Key themes were categorised as barriers or enablers. The ethics regulatory process was identified as a strong barrier in all professions, other commonly identified barriers were lack of time to conduct research and lack of funding. Researchers reported difficulties knowing where to obtain assistance and support when required. Mentorship was the most common enabler identified by all three professions. In addition, a positive research culture and organisational support and assistance within the organisation were seen as strong enablers.Conclusion: This research provides insight into the barriers and enablers for active clinician researchers across three professional groups. We have identified priority areas to increase research capacity within our health care organisation and will focus on training in the ethics regulatory process and mentorship along with infrastructure support to strengthen the positive research culture across all professions.Plain Language Summary: Research by healthcare professionals employed in publicly funded health services is encouraged across nursing/midwifery, allied health and medical professionals. This study sought to identify barriers and enablers to undertaking research for these healthcare professionals. Interviews were conducted with representatives from each of the professions. Barriers identified across all professional groups were inconsistencies and difficulties with the ethical regulatory process. Enablers such as a positive research culture within the institutions were found meaningful by the professional groups. This study will allow health organisations to tailor training and infrastructure support to all researchers.Keywords: research capacity, allied health, nursing, medical, research culture