Resident research: why some do and others don’t

INTRODUCTION: Although research is widely considered to be a relevant and essential skill to resident development, the actual participation rate of residents in research remains low, and the factors associated with participation are unclear. METHODS: We examined the participation rate of junior residents in research, and their attitudes and perceived barriers toward research, via an anonymised survey carried out from October to November 2013. The residents were from an established Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited internal medicine residency training programme in Singapore. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 64.1% (82/128 residents). The most frequently cited barrier was lack of time. Only a third of the residents surveyed were actively participating in research. Those with postgraduate qualifications were more likely to be involved in research (odds ratio 4.71, p = 0.015). Among the 82 residents, 40.2% reported an interest in research as part of their career; these were mainly graduates from overseas universities or postgraduates. A belief that research is an intrinsically valuable activity distinguished residents who chose research as a career path from those who were undecided (p = 0.004). The belief that research is a means to better clinical practice also divided those who chose research from those who rejected it (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that specific beliefs determine the level of research activity and career interest among residents. Novel strategies may be incorporated in training programmes to improve the interest and participation of residents in research, and to facilitate the development of academic clinicians.