Barriers to Research in Palliative Care: A National Survey of Nonphysician Interprofessional Team Members

Context: The growing field of palliative care emphasizes the need for high-quality research, yet the contributions of nonphysician palliative care specialists to studying patient outcomes remain underexplored. Methods: This national observational study aims to identify barriers to conducting research among chaplains, nurses, pharmacists, and social workers in palliative care settings. An anonymous online survey was conducted across various disciplines. Results: A total of 173 participants reveal significant differences in research engagement and perceived barriers, with chaplains and pharmacists more likely to have research requirements and training, respectively, but face obstacles including insufficient time and article preparation. Nurse practitioners and social workers reported lower research involvement and higher perceived barriers in study design and mentorship. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for tailored interventions, including targeted training, mentorship, and financial support to enhance research engagement among nonphysician palliative care specialists. Addressing these barriers through institutional support and interprofessional collaboration is crucial for advancing palliative care research and practice.