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Navigation of Dual Identities Among Health Care Professionals Transitioning Between Clinical Practice and Research
Shahad Al-Tikriti1,2, Clare Kennedy1, Karima Abubakr1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rotunda Hospital, Parnell Street, Dublin, D01 W5P9, Ireland, +353 1 817 1700.
JMIR Research Protocols
|May 15, 2026
Summary
This scoping review examines health care professionals transitioning from clinical practice to research. It synthesizes literature to inform support and policies for this career pivot.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Health Services Research
- Professional Development
Background:
- The career transition from clinical practice to research is a significant yet under-studied pathway for health care professionals.
- There is a growing emphasis on research integration within health care careers, leading more clinicians to pursue advanced research degrees.
- The experiences, challenges, and impacts of this career pivot remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically map and synthesize the existing literature on health care professionals' experiences transitioning between clinical practice and research roles.
- To explore the challenges, adjustments, and impacts on professional identity, decision-making, and career trajectories during this transition.
- To inform the development of evidence-based support mechanisms and institutional policies for clinicians moving into research.
Main Methods:
- This study employs a scoping review following the JBI methodology and validated frameworks.
- Comprehensive literature searches will be conducted across eight major databases (PubMed, Ovid, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Sage Journals, Web of Science).
- Inclusion criteria focus on health care professionals transitioning to research roles, reporting empirical data, and published in English from 1980 onwards. Qualitative thematic analysis will synthesize findings.
Main Results:
- Pilot searches identified approximately 3000 potentially relevant studies, with refinement of search strategies and inclusion criteria underway.
- A preliminary analysis of a subset of studies was performed to pilot test the methodology.
- Full data collection is scheduled to commence following protocol acceptance, with results anticipated in 2026.
Conclusions:
- Synthesizing knowledge on clinical-research transitions will inform evidence-based support and institutional policies.
- The findings will enhance the training and career development experience for health care professionals entering research.
- This review will establish a foundation for future mixed-methods research to address identified knowledge gaps.
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