Exploring clinical research efficacy of teaching and practicing medical professionals in Pakistan

OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to explore clinical research efficacy of teaching and practicing medical professionals in Pakistan. The role of socio-demographic factors in this context was also investigated. METHODS: This study using cross-sectional research design was carried out from August to December 2019. A sample of teaching and practicing medical professionals (N=96) was collected through purposive sampling from Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Clinical Research Appraisal Inventory (CRAI) was used along with the demographic datasheet. Research data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS-21). RESULTS: The results of the study revealed that teaching and practicing medical professionals feel most competent in ‘collaborating with others’ while the research area in which they feel least competent is ‘securing funds for a study’. It was found that there are significant differences in the research efficacy of teaching and practicing medical professionals with reference to age (p< 0.00), gender (p< 0.01), designation (p< 0.00), number of articles published (p< 0.00), number of articles under review (p< 0.03), number of articles submitted (p< 0.03), and number of funded projects completed (p< 0.02). Satisfaction with salary and number of hours at work per week have no impact on their research efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Findings have implications for policy makers and medical institutions to promote research skills in teaching and practicing medical professionals.