Protected Research Time Research Articles

German radiation oncology's next generation: a web-based survey of young biologists, medical physicists, and physicians-from problems to solutions.

Radiation science is of utmost significance not only due to its growing importance for clinical use, but also in everyday life such as in radiation protection questions. The expected increase in cancer incidence due to an aging population combined with technical advancements further implicates this importance and results in ahigher need for sufficient highly educated and motivated personnel. Thus, factors preventing young scientists and medical personnel from entering or remaining in the field need to be identified. Aweb-based questionnaire with one general and three occupation-specific questionnaires for physicians, biologists, and medical physicists working in radiation oncology and research was developed and circulated for 6weeks. While the overall satisfaction of the 218 participants was quite high, there are some points that still need to be addressed in order to ensure acontinuing supply of qualified personnel. Among these were economic pressure, work-life balance, work contracts, protected research time, and ademand for an improved curriculum. Mentoring programs, improved education, and strengthening the value of societies in radiation sciences as well as translational approaches and more flexible working arrangements might ensure ahigh-quality workforce and thus patient care in the future.

Protocol for the SELECT study: a sequential mixed methods study of the selection of UK medical students into clinical academic training

BackgroundInternationally, there has been a move towards fostering diverse healthcare workforces that are representative of the patient populations they serve. Selection criteria for academic-clinicians often aim to capture skills and attributes that demonstrate both clinical and academic excellence. Currently, it is not known whether the selection criteria for early academic-clinical careers advantage or disadvantage certain ethnic or socioeconomic groups. The UK has a structured route of integrated clinical academic training with entry level training for newly qualified doctors administered through the ‘Specialised Foundation Programme’ which provides protected time for research within the first two years of postgraduate clinical training. In this study, we aim to identify what selection criteria are used within the UK Specialised Foundation Programme, and how these relate to demographic factors.MethodsWe will perform a mixed methods study consisting of a document analysis of person specifications and selection criteria used in the 2024 UK Specialised Foundation Programme, and a national cross-sectional survey of current medical students in the UK. We will obtain the person specifications, selection criteria, white space (open ended questions used during shortlisting) and interview questions and mark schemes from each Specialised Unit of Applications via information available on their websites or through Freedom of Information requests. Our survey will collect information relating to demographic data, selection criteria, and perceptions of specialised foundation programme selection.DiscussionInternational literature has demonstrated inequity in academic markers used in selection of post-graduate clinicians and that disadvantages caused by selection can compound over time. As such it is important to understand what inequity exists within the selection of early academic-clinicians, as this can help inform more equitable selection practices and help nurture a more diverse academic-clinical workforce.

8076 Advancing Career Development of Physician-Scientists Engaged in Diabetes Research: Insights into the National K12 DiabDocs Program

Abstract Disclosure: K.D. Dasani: None. F.K. Bishop: None. S.H. Golden: None. L.M. Laffel: None. R.G. Mirmira: None. A.K. Steck: None. S.M. Willi: None. D.M. Maahs: None. L.A. DiMeglio: None. Background: In July 2022 the NIH established a multi-center National K12 “Diabetes-Docs: Physician-Scientist Career Development Program” (DiabDocs) to support mentored research experiences and tailored career development training for cohorts of physician scientists focused on diabetes research. DiabDocs scholars are board-certified or board-eligible physicians with training in pediatric or adult endocrinology or in another area tied to diabetes research and care. The program addresses the shortage of physicians engaged in diabetes research and is open to scholars at any eligible institution in the United States. Methods: The DiabDocs program was implemented by two multi-center Program Directors (MPD), in collaboration with an Executive Leadership Committee (ELC) comprised of experienced basic science and clinical/translational physician-scientists. Additional faculty from 19 different institutions have engaged in advisory and reviewer roles. The program solicits Letters of Intent (LOIs) annually from interested candidates followed by invitations for full applications; a program retreat features educational workshops and diversity training; and a Study Section selects Scholars. Currently, the program is in its third recruitment cycle for additional scholars to start Summer 2024. Additional career development programming is available through a series of interactive webinars. The program also has a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including a “DiabDiversity” program to support in-person engagement in DiabDocs experiences by under-represented in medicine trainees. Results: After two successful recruitment cycles in 2022-2023 that reviewed 24 LOIs, 11 scholars were selected. The funded scholars (6 Adult and 5 Pediatric Endocrinologists) include 3 individuals self-identifying as underrepresented in medicine and 7 females. For the 2023 application cycle, 24 LOIs were received (11 from Adult and 9 from Pediatric Endocrinology, 2 in combined Pediatric/Adult Endocrinology, and 2 from other specialties). Conclusions: The DiabDocs program aims to identify, recruit, and support outstanding early career physician scientists. The program provides a national network with resources for protected research time, career development programs, and national mentorship to develop cohorts of skilled professionals contributing to the advancement of diabetes research. Presentation: 6/2/2024

A qualitative study exploring graduated medical residents’ research experiences, barriers to publication and strategies to improve publication rates from medical residents

BackgroundIn Kenya, postgraduate medical residents must complete a research dissertation for their Master of Medicine studies. However, the subsequent publication rate is lower than in higher-income settings, limiting the availability of population-specific data. This study explored residents’ experiences with research, reasons for the low publication rate, and strategies to improve publication rates.MethodsIn-depth interviews were conducted with 9 faculty members and non-academic support staff, as well as 18 Master of Medicine graduates who had successfully completed their research projects, to investigate their experiences with conducting, supervising, and publishing research. The interview data was analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The study also explored strategies to improve publication rates.ResultsThe graduates (former medical residents) described difficult research journeys – from concept development to final submission of dissertation – which discouraged them from seeking publication. Many faculty and staff lacked time or sufficient expertise to successfully guide residents to publication. Departmental research culture, faculty expertise as supervisors and prioritisation of clinical work over research and lack of dedicated research time impacted both residents’ and faculty capacity for research. Strategies to improve publication rates focused on developing faculty research expertise, more protected research time, and a more structured approach to teaching research methodology, including academic writing skills.ConclusionsResidents in low- and middle-income countries such as Kenya encounter systemic and personal challenges to successful publication of research. The ease or difficulty of a resident’s research journey influences their attitudes to subsequent publication. Strategies to improve publication rates can improve the dissemination of relevant research data in such settings.

Will they always be living the Sisyphus punishment? The triple whammy for racialized women: a qualitative investigation of primary care researchers in Canada

Existing literature overlooks the role of gender and race on research productivity, particularly in the context of primary care research. This study examines how gender and race influence the research productivity of primary care researchers in Canada, addressing a gap in existing literature. Qualitative, descriptive methods were used, involving 60-min interviews with 23 Canadian primary care researchers. 13 participants were female (57%) and 10 participants (43%) were male. Fourteen participants were White (non-racialized; 61%), 8 were racialized (35%) and 1 did not comment on race (4%). Reflexive thematic analysis captured participant perceptions of factors influencing research productivity, including individual, professional, institutional, and systemic aspects. Systemic bias and institutional culture, including racism, sexism, and unconscious biases against racialized women, emerge as key barriers to research productivity. The parenting life stage further compounds these biases. Barriers include lack of representation in faculty roles, toxic work environments, research productivity metrics, and exclusion by colleagues. Participants indicated that institutional reforms and systemic interventions are needed to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. Strategies include recruiting equity-focused leaders, increasing representation of racialized female faculty, diversity training, mentorship programs, providing meaningful support, flexible work arrangements, and protected research time. Sponsors can offer more targeted grants for female and racialized researchers. Adjusting metrics for gender, race, parenthood, and collaborative metrics is proposed to enhance diversity and inclusion among researchers. This study underscores the importance of addressing systemic bias at institutional and systemic levels to create a fair and supportive environment for primary care researchers. A multitude of strategies are needed including increasing representation of racialized female faculty, creating supportive and psychologically safe work environments, and public reporting of data on faculty composition for accreditation and funding decisions. Together, these strategies can alleviate the triple whammy and free these researchers from the Sisyphus Punishment - the absurdity of being asked to climb a hill while pushing a boulder with no hope of reaching the top. College of Family Physicians of Canada.

Motivation and success factors in radiological research in Germany - results of a survey by the Methodology and Research Working Group of the German Radiological Society.

Investigation of motivation and identification of success factors in radiology research in Germany.Using a German online survey (54 questions, period: 3.5 months), demographic aspects, intrinsic and extrinsic success characteristics, as well as personal and organizational success factors were surveyed based on a career success model. The survey results were reported descriptively. The correlations between success factors and success characteristics were examined using linear, binary-logistic, and multinomial regression models.176 people (164 academically active, 10 not academically active) answered the survey. Most participants (80%, 139/174) worked at a university hospital. 32% had privatdozent or professor as their highest academic title (56/173). The researchers' main motivation was intrinsic interest in research (55%, 89/163), followed by a desire to increase their own career opportunities (25%, 41/163). The following were identified as factors for intrinsic success: i) support from department management (estimate=β=0.26, p<0.001), ii) good work-life balance (β=0.37, p<0.001), and iii) the willingness to pursue science even after reaching the career goal (β=0.16, p<0.016). Relevant factors for extrinsic scientific success were mentoring, protected research time, and activities in professional societies.Researchers in German radiology are mainly intrinsically motivated. Factors known from the literature that determine intrinsic and extrinsic scientific success were confirmed in this study. Knowledge of these factors allows targeted systematic support and could thus increase scientific success in German radiology. · Main motivation for German radiology research is intrinsic interest, followed by career opportunities.. · Factors for intrinsic scientific success are good work-life balance and support by department management.. · Factors for extrinsic scientific success are mentoring, activities in professional societies, and protected research time.. · Wegner F, Heinrichs H, Stahlmann K et al. Motivation and success factors in radiological research in Germany - results of a survey by the Methodology and Research Working Group of the German Radiological Society. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2024; DOI 10.1055/a-2350-0023.

Pre-implementation context and implementation approach for a nursing and midwifery clinician researcher career pathway: A qualitative study.

To describe the pre-implementation context and implementation approach, for a clinician researcher career pathway. Clinician researchers across all health disciplines are emerging to radically influence practice change and improve patient outcomes. Yet, to date, there are limited clinician researcher career pathways embedded in clinical practice for nurses and midwives. A qualitative descriptive design was used. Data were collected from four online focus groups and four interviews of health consumers, nursing and midwifery clinicians, and nursing unit managers (N = 20) between July 2022 and September 2023. Thematic and content analysis identified themes/categories relating to: Research in health professionals' roles and nursing and midwifery, and Research activity and culture (context); with implementation approaches within coherence, cognitive participation, collective action and reflexive monitoring (Normalization Process Theory). The Pathway was perceived to meet organizational objectives with the potential to create significant cultural change in nursing and midwifery. Backfilling of protected research time was essential. The Pathway was seen as an instrument to empower staff, foster staff retention and extend research opportunities to every nurse and midwife, while improving patient experiences and outcomes. Clinicians, consumers and managers fully supported the implementation of clinician researchers with this Pathway. The Pathway could engage all clinicians in evidence-based practice with a clinician researcher leader, effect practice change with colleagues and enhance patient outcomes. This study adheres to relevant EQUATOR guidelines using the COREG checklist. Health consumers involved in this research as participants, did not contribute to the design or conduct of the study, analysis or interpretation of the data, or in the preparation of the manuscript.

Training Outcomes and Satisfaction in Canadian MD/PhD and MD/MSc Programs: Findings from a National Survey.

Despite the impact of physician-scientists on scientific discovery and translational medicine, several reports have signalled their declining workforce, reduced funding, and insufficient protected research time. Given the paucity of outcome data on Canadian MD/PhD programs, this study presents a national portrait of the sociodemographic characteristics, training trajectories, productivity, and satisfaction in trainees and alumni from Canadian MD/PhD and MD/MSc programs. Quantitative data were collected in a national survey launched in 2021. Respondents included 74 MD/PhD alumni and 121 trainees across 12 Canadian MD/PhD and MD/MSc programs. Among MD/PhD alumni, 51% were independent practitioners/researchers while others underwent residency training. Most trainees (88%) were in MD/PhD programs. Significantly more alumni identified as men than did trainees. Significantly more alumni conducted clinical and health services research, while more trainees conducted basic science research. Average time to MD/PhD completion was 8 years, with no correlation to subsequent research outcomes. Self-reported research productivity was highest during MD/PhD training. Concerning training trajectories, most alumni completed residency, pursued additional training, and practised in Canada. Finally, regression models showed that trainees and alumni were satisfied with programs, with significant moderators in trainee models. Survey findings showed Canadian MD/PhD and MD/MSc programs recruit more diverse cohorts of trainees than before, provide productive research years, and graduate alumni who pursue training and academic employment in Canada. Both alumni and trainees are largely satisfied with these training programs. The need to collect in-depth longitudinal data on Canadian MD/PhD graduates to monitor diversity and success metrics is discussed.

Scholarly Activity During Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship.

Objective To describe scholarly activity training during neonatal-perinatal medicine (NPM) fellowship and factors associated with scholarship productivity. Study Design NPM fellowship program directors (FPD) were surveyed between March and October 2019, as part of a larger study of all pediatric subspecialty programs, to define barriers, resources, and productivity for fellow scholarly activity. High productivity was defined as > 75% of fellows in a program in the last 5 years having a manuscript accepted for publication based on fellowship scholarly work. Results Fifty-four percent (54/100) of NPM FPDs completed the survey. Nineteen fellowship programs (35%, 19/54) met the definition for high productivity. High productivity in scholarly activity was associated with a greater likelihood of having funds to conduct scholarship (p=0.011), more protected months dedicated to scholarly activity (p=0.03), and fellow extramural grant applications (submitted or accepted, p=0.047). FPDs of productive programs were less likely to report lack of an adequate core research curriculum (p=0.018), lack of adequate expertise on the fellowship scholarly oversight committee (p=0.048), and lack of sufficient divisional mentorship (p=0.048) as barriers to completion of scholarly activity during fellowship. Conclusions Research funding, protected research time, established research mentors, and a research curriculum are associated with higher scholarly activity productivity among NPM fellowship programs. Further investment in these resources may improve scholarly activity productivity during fellowship training.

Global perspective of barriers in research among oncologists from low-middle income countries.

e13781 Background: Cancer research in low-middle income countries (LMICs) face unique challenges, hindering advancements in patient care. Understanding the practices, barriers and strategic needs encountered by oncologists in LMICs is essential for enhancing research capacities and patient outcomes. This study aimed to assess the barriers and facilitators of research among oncologists in LMICs. Methods: This online cross-sectional survey engaged a diverse group of practicing oncologists from LMICs between December 8, 2023 and February 6, 2024. Respondents include both oncology trainees and consultants primarily from Asia (63%), Africa (18%) and Europe (10%). Using a validated questionnaire (test-retest reliability: 0.98), data analysis was performed using frequency and percentages to detail the survey responses, with 95% confidence intervals calculated to ensure the findings reliability. Results: A total of 276 participants from 29 countries, with a mean age of 38 years, responded to the survey. Fifty three percent (n=146) were male and 46% (n = 126) were female, four participants chose not to disclose. Majority of the respondents were trained in medical oncology and related specialties, 71% (n = 196). Forty one percent (n = 113) of them had less than 5 years’ experience as a cancer physician, while a significant proportion were mid-career oncologists with 5 to 15 years of experience. Regarding individual level barriers; 3% (n = 7) had 60 - 100% protected research time, 3% (n = 8) had local and international mentors, 36% (n = 100) had no biostatistical training, 50% (n = 138) had no clinical trial design training, 11% (n = 29) had utilized qualitative design, 60% (n = 165) had not participated in a population-based study, and 83% (n = 228) had not participated in translational research. In relation to system-level barriers; 30% (n = 84) had inadequate research infrastructure and 43% (n = 120) had no clinical trials unit. Respondents rated the degree of implementation of new research findings into local clinical practice as 3 on a five-point Likert scale. Conclusions: This study highlights the critical gaps in research capacity, resource availability, and infrastructure among oncologists from LMICs. Addressing these barriers through targeted interventions is imperative for advancing cancer research and improving patient outcomes in LMIC settings.

The status of academic interventional radiologists in Germany with focus on gender disparity: how can we do better?

The aim was to characterize the framework conditions in academic interventional radiology (IR) in Germany with focus on differences between genders. After IRB approval, all members of The German Society for Interventional Radiology and Minimally Invasive Therapy (n = 1,632) were invited to an online survey on work and research. Statistical comparisons were undertaken with the Fisher's exact test, Wilcoxon rank sum test or Pearson's Chi-squared test. From 267 available questionnaires (general response rate 16.4%), 200 were fully completed. 40% of these (78/200) were involved in research (71% men vs. 29% women, p < 0.01) and eligible for further analysis. Of these, 6% worked part-time (2% vs. 17%, p < 0.05). 90% of the respondents spent less than 25% of their research duringtheir paid working hours, and 41% performed more than 75% of their research during.leisure time. 28% received exemption for research. 88% were (rather) satisfied with their career. One in two participants successfully applied for funding, with higher success rates among male applicants (90% vs. 75%) and respondents with protected research time (93% vs. 80%). Compared to men, women rated their entrance in research as harder (p < 0.05), their research career as more important (p < 0.05), felt less noticed at congresses (93% vs. 53%, p < 0.01), less confident (98% vs. 71%, p < 0.01), and not well connected (77% vs. 36%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Women and men did research under the same circumstances; however, women were underrepresented. Future programs should generally focus on protected research time and gather female mentors to advance academic IR in Germany.

The Arcus Experience: Bridging the Data Science Gap for Nurse Researchers.

For years, nurse researchers have been called upon to engage with "big data" in the electronic health record (EHR) by leading studies focusing on nurse-centric patient outcomes and providing clinical analysis of potential outcome indicators. However, the current gap in nurses' data science education and training poses a significant barrier. We aimed to evaluate the viability of conducting nurse-led, big-data research projects within a custom-designed computational laboratory and examine the support required by a team of researchers with little to no big-data experience. Four nurse-led research teams developed a research question reliant on existing EHR data. Each team was given its own virtual computational laboratory populated with raw data. A data science education team provided instruction in coding languages-primarily structured query language and R-and data science techniques to organize and analyze the data. Three research teams have completed studies, resulting in one manuscript currently undergoing peer review and two manuscripts in progress. The final team is performing data analysis. Five barriers and five facilitators to big-data projects were identified. As the data science learning curve is steep, organizations need to help bridge the gap between what is currently taught in doctoral nursing programs and what is required of clinical nurse researchers to successfully engage in big-data methods. In addition, clinical nurse researchers require protected research time and a data science infrastructure that supports novice efforts with education, mentorship, and computational laboratory resources.

Neurosurgery Residents' Satisfaction Toward Their Saudi Training Program: Insights from a National Survey

BackgroundGiven the high-stakes nature of their work, neurosurgery residents face constant pressure and require high-quality training to succeed. We aim to investigate the satisfaction levels of residents with their Saudi Neurosurgery Residency Training Program (SNRTP) and its influential factors. MethodsThis is a nationwide, cross-sectional study that employed a questionnaire, structured based on the relevant literature, which was disseminated to neurosurgery residents, commencing from December 2021 and culminating in September 2022. ResultsA total of 70 out of 143 neurosurgery residents were included, giving a response rate of 48.9%. Most participants (62.9%) aged 24-28 years old, 55.7% were males, and 40.0% were from the Central region of Saudi Arabia. The residents were further divided into juniors (R1-R3; 64.3%) and seniors (R4-R6; 35.7%). Approximately 13.3% of the juniors were satisfied with the SNRTP, whereas only 8.0% of the seniors were satisfied. Dissatisfaction rates over the SNRTP were significantly higher in the seniors (68.0%) compared to the juniors (28.9%; p= 0.006). The frequency of operating room sessions per week and presence of protected research time were the only two factors significantly associated with the junior and senior residents’ satisfaction, respectively. ConclusionsThe SNRTP has a vision to provide the society with elite competent neurosurgeons. However, we found a degree of dissatisfaction among the residents, indicating a need for improving the SNRTP’s policies. We recommend incorporating more hands-on training opportunities, implementing a mentorship model, setting tailored teaching sessions, and establishing resident wellness programs. We hope this study initiate dialogue on promoting residents’ satisfaction and overall well-being.

Factors Impacting Academic Productivity and Satisfaction of Surgeon-scientists: A Nationwide Survey.

To identify factors related to research success for academic surgeons. Many recognize mounting barriers to scientific success for academic surgeons, but little is known about factors that predict success for individual surgeons. A phase 1 survey was emailed to department chairpersons at highly funded US departments of surgery. Participating chairpersons distributed a phase 2 survey to their faculty surgeons. Training- and faculty-stage exposures and demographic data were collected and compared with participant-reported measures of research productivity. Five primary measures of productivity were assessed including number of grants applied for, grants funded, papers published, first/senior author papers published, and satisfaction in research. Twenty chairpersons and 464 faculty surgeons completed the survey, and 444 faculty responses were included in the final analysis. Having a research-focused degree was significantly associated with more grants applied for (PhD, incidence rate ratio (IRR)=6.93; masters, IRR=4.34) and funded (PhD, IRR=4.74; masters, IRR=4.01) compared to surgeons with only clinical degrees (all P<0.01). Having a formal research mentor was significantly associated with more grants applied for (IRR=1.57, P=0.03) and higher satisfaction in research (IRR=2.22, P<0.01). Contractually protected research time was significantly associated with more grants applied for (IRR=3.73), grants funded (IRR=2.14), papers published (IRR=2.12), first/senior authors published (IRR=1.72), and research satisfaction (Odds ratio=2.15) (all P<0.01). The primary surgeon-identified barrier to research productivity was lack of protection from clinical burden. Surgeons pursuing research-focused careers should consider the benefits of attaining a research-focused degree, negotiating for contractually protected research time, and obtaining formal research mentorship.

Barriers to research among residents in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Research is an integral part of oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) residency training. This study aimed to identify the current barriers perceived by OMS residents toward conducting research during training. A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted. The survey was distributed to 670 OMS residents across the United States in 2021 and consisted of questions regarding demographics, residency program requirements and resources, and perceived barriers to research. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and post hoc Dunn's test with a statistical significance of P<0.05. The response rate was 24.2%. Most participants' programs had a minimum research requirement to complete a residency (80%). The top three reported barriers to completing research were lack of time (84%), limited access to research mentors or supervisors (37%), and lack of access to biostatistical support (31%). Factors associated with these barriers included the lack of a research director, supervisor, mentor, assistant, or statistician. There was no significant difference between residents in programs with protected research time versus those without. OMS residents generally viewed research experience during residency as beneficial but reported important barriers, most notably: insufficient time. Although most OMS training programs in the US require research for completion, many do not provide adequate time to facilitate this process. Compared with literature from over a decade ago, it appears little progress has been made to remedy similar barriers to research. Addressing this deficiency may increase the quantity and quality of research, furthering the profession.

Clinical research nursing pathways: The development and evaluation of a nursing research internship program using the RE-AIM framework

BackgroundIn 2018 a Nursing Research Internship program was started within a major referral and tertiary teaching centre in Australia. AimWe aimed to evaluate the first 12 months of the program using an implementation science framework. MethodsThis was a qualitative study. Following ethical approval n = 20 semi -structured interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Participants included nurses with clinical, research and management roles who had engaged in or supported a Nursing Research Internship program. The Framework Method was conducted to analyse the findings. ResultsKey themes identified included ‘What is the impact of a Nursing Research Internship program?’; ‘Why do a Nursing Research Internship program?’; ‘How do we do a Nursing Research Internship program?’; ‘How do we sustain a Nursing Research Internship program?’. Positive impacts were identified for clinical nurses and their teams, for the hospital and health service, and for patients and families. Identified key components included protected research time, specialist support (including library, statistics, health economist, implementation scientist), regulatory support (ethics and governance procedures) and access to a computer and IT resources. The Nursing Research Internship program required support from nurse clinicians, nurse managers and nurse academics. ConclusionA structured Nursing Research Internship program supports clinical nurses to answer research questions identified directly from clinical practice.

Factors Influencing Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Trainee Research Engagement.

Research engagement during physical medicine and rehabilitation residency and fellowship training is essential for advancing evidence-based medicine and fostering the development of clinician-scientists. Current Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education guidelines regarding research requirements during physical medicine and rehabilitation training are ambiguous, and it is unknown whether physical medicine and rehabilitation trainees receive adequate support to pursue research at the level they desire. This anonymous survey study aimed to identify perceived barriers and facilitators to research engagement among US physical medicine and rehabilitation residents and fellows. Our findings suggest that physical medicine and rehabilitation trainees value research engagement. However, research productivity during physical medicine and rehabilitation residency is limited, with many trainees reporting inadequate support and time to participate in research in a meaningful way. Additional support from residency and fellowship programs, including protected time for research, as well as research-specific education and mentorship should be considered to enhance physical medicine and rehabilitation trainee research engagement.

Research development needs of pharmacists in the North of England: a cross-sectional survey

Abstract Introduction Research drives safe and cost-effective practice, innovation and quality care. The national workforce directive calls for integration of research into healthcare roles1; however, pharmacist research is typically undertaken by a minority of highly motivated individuals2. Inclusion of research learning outcomes in all three Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) curricula make it an essential component of pharmacist practice throughout career development; however, prospective consultant pharmacists may lack confidence in demonstrating capability3. Aim To describe research experience, perceptions of barriers and enablers, and confidence with meeting RPS research learning outcomes in pharmacists across all sectors and stages of career development in the North of England. Methods A cross-sectional survey, designed and piloted using Jisc Online Surveys, was circulated by email to Health Education England (HEE) North School of Pharmacy and Medicines Optimisation (SoPMO)* mailing list subscribers and posted on social media for completion during March 2023. Data were collected on demographics, research qualifications and research experience. Respondents were asked to prioritise barriers and enablers from existing literature according to personal experience. Confidence with meeting research learning outcomes in the Post-registration Foundation, Core Advanced and Consultant Pharmacist curricula was self-assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics were performed using Microsoft Excel®. The NHS Health Research Authority tool confirmed ethical approval was not required for this service evaluation. A Data Protection Impact Assessment was completed. *now North West SoPMO and North East and Yorkshire SoPMO, NHS England Workforce Training and Education Results There were 250 responses from pharmacists in all seven North of England Integrated Care Systems. Respondents had been practising for a median of 14 years. 54 (22%) had a postgraduate qualification with a research component and 162 (65%) had experience of research and/or quality improvement. 164 (67%) had no protected time for research and 200 (80%) did not routinely discuss research during annual appraisal. Lack of time within working hours was the most frequently reported ‘top three’ barrier (171, 68%), followed by prioritisation of clinical duties (128, 51%) and lack of knowledge (79, 32%). Key enablers were protected time (158, 63%) and access to mentorship (154, 62%). The proportion who self-assessed as ‘confident’ or ‘really confident’ that they could provide evidence to demonstrate all research learning outcome(s) in each curriculum was 106 (42%) for Post-registration Foundation; 52 (21%) for Core Advanced and 22 (9%) for Consultant Pharmacist. Discussion/Conclusion Despite 85% of respondents practising for 5 years or more, confidence in meeting the most fundamental research learning outcome in the Post-registration Foundation curriculum was low and decreased across the continuum of practice. Barriers and enablers were perceived around capability (knowledge and skills), opportunity (protected time; prioritisation of clinical duties) and motivation (access to mentorship). Limitations include a potential over-estimation of confidence, due to pharmacists with research experience being more likely to complete the survey, and the use of self-reporting, which relies on respondent introspection. Initial Education and Training (IET) reforms will better equip future pharmacists for research; however, coordinated strategies, simultaneously addressing identified barriers, are required to bridge the skill gap for much of the existing workforce.

Are committee experiences of minoritized family medicine faculty part of the minority tax? a qualitative study

Background and ObjectivesBecause much of the work in academic medicine is done by committee, early career URiM faculty, are often asked to serve on multiple committees, including diversity work that may not be recognized as important. They may also be asked to serve on committees to satisfy a diversity “check box,” and may be asked more often than their non-URiM peers to serve in this capacity. We sought to describe the committee experiences of early career URiM faculty, hypothesizing that they may see committee service as a minority tax.MethodsParticipants in the Leadership through Scholarship Fellowship (LTSF) were asked to share their experiences with committee service in their careers after participating in a faculty development discussion. Their responses were analyzed and reported using qualitative, open, axial, and abductive reasoning methods.ResultsFour themes, with eight sub-themes (in parenthesis), emerged from the content analysis of the LTSF fellows responses to the prompt: Time commitment (Timing of committee work and lack of protected time for research and scholarship), URiM Committee service (Expectation that URiM person will serve on committees and consequences for not serving), Mentoring issues (no mentoring regarding committee service, faculty involvement is lacking and the conflicting nature of committee work) and Voice (Lack of voice or acknowledgement).ConclusionsEarly career URiM faculty reported an expectation of serving on committees and consequences for not serving related to their identity, but other areas of committee service they shared were not connected to their URiM identity. Because most of the experiences were not connected to the LTSF fellows’ URiM identity, this group has identified areas of committee service that may affect all early career faculty. More research is necessary to determine how committee service affects URiM and non-URiM faculty in academic family medicine.

OTHER-07 NEUROSURGICAL ONCOLOGY CAPACITY IN KENYA: RESULTS FROM A NATIONWIDE SURVEY OF CONSULTANTS AND RESIDENTS.

Abstract Neurosurgical oncology services (NOS) in Kenya have grown in tandem with resident training programs yet little is known objectively on current capacity and challenges. A 37-item electronic survey was distributed to neurosurgical consultants and residents practicing in Kenya. Among 49 respondents [27 consultants (69% national response rate), 22 residents; median age of 36 – 40; 51% practice &amp;lt; 5 years], 100% and 88% had access to CT scan and MRI brain respectively. 57% performed more than 40 cranial tumor surgeries annually and 48/49 (98%) perform oncology cases on a “regular basis”. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and pathology are performed within the respondents’ institutions in 63%, 65% and 61% of surveys, while the rest are sent out. 45 (96%) utilize an operating microscope, and 8 (17%) have an ultrasonic aspirator. Palliative care services are available for 45 (92%). 41 (84%) “agree” or “strongly agree” that delays in referrals between specialties are a major challenge to practice. 38 (78%) “agree” or “strongly agree” that treatment abandonment is also a major challenge. 49% participate in a tumor registry however major barriers to conducting research included lack of funding and protected research time. Having a mentor is perceived as the greatest facilitator for conducting research. No respondents enrolled any patient in a clinical oncology trial during the past year yet nearly every neurosurgeon performs oncology cases and 60% of Kenyan neurosurgeons carry a major tumor case load, in contrast to countries where elective spine surgery predominates neurosurgical practice. Clinical trial enrolment remains uncharted in Kenyan neurosurgery and more than 2/3 of Kenyan counties lack NOS. This survey highlights progress in availability of neurosurgical oncology services while identifying that containing treatment cost, reducing referral delays, and embedding clinical research in clinical practice through mentorship can be NOS growth catalysts.