Physician trainee research collaboratives: a mixed methods exploration of UK experience

Journal article

Background: Physician trainee research collaboratives (TRCs) help trainees develop research skills and establish peer networks. We aimed to identify the structure, activity and views of physician TRCs in the UK.

Methods: Representatives from physician TRCs in the UK were invited to complete an online survey and participate in a focus group.

Results: Representatives from 23 physician TRCs completed the survey. There was wide variation in collaborative structure, senior input and funding resources. Seventy-four per cent of physician TRCs had published peer-reviewed articles, with 70% reporting ongoing projects at the time of the survey. The survey and focus group identified improved patient care, research and leadership skills as benefits of collaborative work; while institutional and consultant support, limited time for research, funding opportunities and restrictions on group authorship were cited as challenges to collaborative success.

Conclusion: Physician TRC activity continues to grow and demonstrates a dynamic approach to research for all trainees.

Authors: Kavanagh, E; Fernandes, L; Li, W; Roycroft, M; FitzPatrick, M

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Journal: Clinical Medicine
• Volume: 22
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 119-124
• Publication date: 2022-03-18
• Acceptance date: 2021-12-05
• DOI: 10.7861/clinmed.2021-0511
• EISSN: 1473-4893
• ISSN: 1470-2118
• Pmid: 35304372
• Language: English
• Keywords: trainee research collaboratives; physician trainees; research skills; widening access to research