Towards researcher physicians in Palestine: resident doctors' perceptions, practices, and barriers

Residency training, a crucial part of postgraduate medical education, allows doctors to engage in research, enhancing their critical thinking and evidence-based practice skills. However, various barriers often impede this process. This study aims to evaluate Palestinian resident doctors' perceptions, practices, and obstacles regarding medical research.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2023, focusing on resident doctors in West Bank training centers. A sample size of 250 residents was selected. Data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire that covered demographics, attitudes toward research, barriers to conducting research, and research practices. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and multivariate analysis using binary logistic regression.

Out of 290 residents invited, 256 responded, resulting in an 88.3% response rate. Positive attitudes towards research were common, with 79.7% supporting mandatory teaching of research methodology and 81.3% recognizing the importance of publishing research findings. Nevertheless, 53.9% of residents expressed concerns about the additional burden imposed by research. Research engagement was moderate, with 52.0% involved in research projects, although only 40.6% had published in peer-reviewed journals. Significant barriers identified were inadequate funding (71.9%) and insufficient time for research (71.5%). The presence of a research mentor significantly increased the likelihood of research engagement (aOR: 11.8, 95% CI: 6.2-22.5).

Palestinian resident doctors exhibit a positive attitude towards medical research, yet significant barriers hinder their participation. Mentoring, integrating research training into residency programs, and allocating the time and resources needed for research activities are all essential strategies to increase resident research engagement and productivity. These efforts can advance healthcare by promoting evidence-based practices, addressing local health challenges, and strengthening systems through tailored interventions and collaborative efforts.