Enhancing translational medical research through proof-of-concept services: clinicians' perspectives

Area of Science:

• Medical Research
• Translational Medicine
• Innovation Management

Background:

• The proof-of-concept (POC) phase is vital for translational medical research (TMR).
• Clinicians often face challenges utilizing POC services and lack awareness of available support.
• Uncertainty exists regarding how to access POC team assistance for TMR difficulties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate clinicians' awareness of POC services.
• To explore the supportive reference services provided by POC teams.
• To identify factors influencing clinicians' perception of POC service utility in TMR.

Main Methods:

• An internet-based questionnaire was distributed to 702 clinicians conducting TMR.
• Data were collected between August 2022 and March 2023.
• Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square, Wilcoxon rank sum, Kruskal-Wallis, and stepwise logistic regression.

Main Results:

• Clinician awareness of POC services was found to be low (69.23%).
• Younger clinicians (21-30 years) with higher education were more likely to perceive POC services as helpful.
• Perceived need for technology, literature, and intelligence services correlated with positive views on POC support.

Conclusions:

• Creating favorable conditions and encouraging clinicians to acquire POC knowledge is crucial for enhancing TMR.
• Establishing national-level POC centers or platforms could significantly facilitate POC service utilization.
• Active engagement with POC services can improve the success rate of translational medical research.