0
0
London, UK – The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has issued a strong call for the allocation of dedicated, protected time for doctors to conduct clinical research, emphasizing its vital role in advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care. This plea follows the findings from the 2023 census of UK consultant physicians, jointly conducted by the RCP, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.
The census revealed that a mere 41% of the 2,992 respondents reported involvement in research activities. A significant barrier identified was the lack of ringfenced time within job plans, which many physicians cited as a key impediment to their participation in research.
Tom Solomon, the academic vice president at the RCP, articulated the importance of integrating research into the daily responsibilities of NHS doctors. “Clinical research is a cornerstone of medical advancement, and it is vital that NHS doctors are given the time and resources they need to pursue research alongside their clinical duties. The benefits are clear: not only does research lead to lifesaving innovations in patient care, but it also enhances training for resident doctors and job satisfaction for NHS consultants.”
Among the 1,022 physicians who responded to inquiries about barriers to research participation, 52% (535) highlighted a lack of protected time in their job plans. Other barriers included organizational constraints (12%), uncertainty about advancing research proposals (11%), and a lack of confidence (10%).
In terms of job structure preferences, the census revealed that 46% of physicians prioritized direct clinical care, while 28% valued education and training, and 25% preferred research activities as a critical component of their roles.
Physicians who were able to participate in research noted several advantages, including improved patient care, enhanced clinical skills, and increased job satisfaction.
The survey also underscored a gender disparity in research involvement, with 63% (772) of those engaged in research being men, compared to 37% (462) who were women. This gender imbalance raises additional concerns about equity in research opportunities within the medical profession.
Andrew Elder, president of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, stressed the need for consistent protection of research time across all specialties from the onset of doctors’ careers. “The importance of doctors being able to conduct clinical research cannot be overstated,” he remarked.
Solomon expressed concern about the declining number of clinical academics, as identified in Ara Darzi’s recent report on the NHS in England. He pointed out that these professionals play a crucial role in bridging the gap between research and clinical practice. “The NHS 10-year plan is an opportunity to address this, by supporting the changes needed to embed research into clinical practice and ensuring dedicated and protected time for NHS doctors to pursue research in their job plans.”
The census, which was distributed to 22,253 consultant and SAS physicians from November 2023 to January 2024, received a response from 2,992 participants regarding their clinical research activities.
The RCP’s advocacy for protected research time highlights a critical need for structural changes within the NHS, aiming to foster a research-friendly environment that ultimately benefits both healthcare professionals and patients alike.
