Confronting Challenges: An Inductive Thematic Analysis Of Barriers And Solutions To Undergraduate Medical Research In...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Research Methodology

Background:

• Undergraduate research is crucial for medical education and the future of evidence-based medicine.
• Identifying barriers to undergraduate research is essential for improving scientific training in Pakistan.

Purpose of the Study:

• To qualitatively analyze the barriers encountered by undergraduate students in Pakistan when pursuing research.
• To propose actionable solutions to overcome these identified challenges and foster research engagement.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study was conducted from May to October 2021.
• Data triangulation using open-ended surveys, face-to-face interviews, and focus group discussions.
• Inductive thematic analysis of data from 33 undergraduate medical students across Pakistan.

Main Results:

• Students viewed research as a career enhancer but lacked passion; dissatisfaction with local research quality was noted.
• Major barriers included lack of motivated faculty, poor data registries, ineffective research teaching, and limited access to journals/software.
• Time constraints were a significant challenge, with students suggesting workshops, networking, curriculum reform, and student-led initiatives.

Conclusions:

• Student apathy and administrative/faculty issues threaten evidence-based medicine.
• Implementing proposed solutions can significantly improve the future of undergraduate research in Pakistan.