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Clinicians and research: recurring obstacles and some possible solutions
S I Pfeiffer1, S Burd, A Wright
1Institute of Clinical Training and Research, Devereux Foundation, Devon, PA 19333-0400.
Journal of Clinical Psychology
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Clinicians in residential treatment centers (RTCs) favor research but face significant barriers. Insufficient time, lack of job integration, and funding shortages hinder scholarly pursuits, despite positive attitudes toward the scientist-practitioner model.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Social Work
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Residential treatment centers (RTCs) are crucial for mental health care delivery.
- Integrating research and scholarly activities within RTCs is vital for evidence-based practice.
- Understanding clinician perspectives on research is essential for fostering academic engagement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore clinicians' perceptions of barriers and resources for research and scholarly activities in RTCs.
- To identify factors influencing the combination of clinical and research roles among RTC professionals.
Main Methods:
- Nationwide survey of clinicians in residential treatment centers.
- Sample included 273 respondents: 95 psychologists, 27 psychiatrists, and 151 social workers.
- Data collected on attitudes toward research and perceived barriers to scholarly pursuits.
Main Results:
- Clinicians expressed highly favorable attitudes towards research and the scientist-practitioner model.
- A significant majority of clinicians are not actively combining clinical and research/scholarly roles.
- Top barriers identified: insufficient time, research not being part of the job description, and lack of funding.
Conclusions:
- Despite positive attitudes, substantial barriers prevent widespread clinician involvement in research within RTCs.
- Addressing time constraints, job role definitions, and funding is critical to promote scholarly activity.
- Recommendations are proposed to facilitate research integration and support clinician scholars in RTC settings.