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Objectives The 2020 RCPCH State of Child Health report highlighted that active participation in research by paediatricians is a priority for children and young people.1 Academic paediatrics faces numerous challenges including limited research opportunities, particularly outside integrated academic training IAT.2–4 The LSP academic subgroup strives to improve research accessibility for London-based paediatric doctors by organising research-focussed events. Herein, we report the methodology and effectiveness of a selection of these strategies in the hope of encouraging implementation of similar approaches across the UK to tackle the current threats to paediatric research. Methods Firstly, a year-long mentorship scheme was implemented, matching senior academic clinicians to junior doctors. Mentorship groups independently organised virtual and in- person meetings. Secondly, IAT evenings focussing on Academic Clinical Fellowship (ACF) applications were held. These consisted of talks by previous ACFs and doctors taking other routes into research (e.g., out-of-programme experience). Lastly, three research evenings were organised in which junior doctors could present research or audit findings on a regional platform. All implemented approaches were freely available to paediatric doctors in London and advertised via mailing lists and social media. Utility of each approach was evaluated by pre- and post-event surveys, including measures of confidence in research-related topics. Results Within the mentorship scheme, 46 mentees were assigned to 13 senior mentors. 52.2% of mentees reported low confidence in pursuing an academic career at the start of the scheme. Feedback (n=16) highlighted that confidence remained low following the scheme, with 43.8% of mentees still reporting low confidence. However only 50% of respondents had met their mentorship group primarily due to busy work schedules. Those able to meet found the experience beneficial. ACF events were attended by 26 paediatric doctors. 70% (n=18) of doctors reported low pre-event confidence in applying for IAT, which improved to only one doctor in post event feedback (n=12). Forty doctors attended research evenings, of which 30% (n=12) provided feedback. All respondents found the events helpful, and part icularly appreciated presentation variety and the opportunity to present their own work. Conclusion Confidence in pursuing research within paediatrics is low. Implementing successful mentorship, targeted IAT and research even ings can improve confidence and research accessibility. Time constraints limited successful mentorship relationships and future schemes will include greater meeting structure to allow advanced scheduling and ensure mentee/mentor commitment. Junior doctor collaboration across the UK to implement similar strategies may further improve nationwide access to paediatric research opportunities to address children and young people's priorities. References RCPCH report: State of Child Health – What can health professionals do? RCPCH. 2020. RCPCH Trainees participation in child health research survey Report. Trainee Research Network Task and Finish Group. August 2023. Dore R, D'Souza M, Ghosh N, Carr D, Loucaides E, collaborative TR. 317 Paediatric trainee experience of multi-site audit and research (PEAR), a cross sectional London REACH network study. Archives of Disease in Childhood 2023. Hunter L, Greenough A, Modi N. RCPCH report – turning the tide: five years on. March 2018.
Bednarczuk et al. (Tue,) studied this question.