Barriers to Conducting Medical Research in a Newly Established Private Medical College: A Cross-Sectional Study

TL;DR

This study identifies barriers to medical research at a new Saudi Arabian medical college, including limited funding and staffing.

Contribution

The study provides insights into barriers to academic research in newly established private medical colleges in Saudi Arabia.

Findings

Limited funding and staffing shortages were major barriers to research.

Respondents suggested expanding incentives and technical support to improve research culture.

High research activity exists, but productivity is constrained by infrastructure and access issues.

Abstract

Background

Medical research in emerging academic settings is an essential and rewarding endeavor that drives advancement in newly established universities within the medical education community. However, numerous barriers may impede the progress of academic medical research, particularly in developing academic environments. Identifying and understanding these barriers is critical to formulating effective strategies to overcome them.

Objective

This study aims to identify barriers to research faced by faculty members and instructors at a newly established private medical college in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in early 2024 among approximately 120 full-time faculty members and instructors at the Alfaisal College of Medicine. Data were collected using a self-administered online questionnaire developed by the study investigators and distributed via Google Forms. A census-based sampling approach was employed. The survey was pilot-tested with three faculty members to assess clarity and feasibility. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize baseline and outcome variables. Data management and analysis were conducted using Jamovi software (version 1.2.27 for Windows). Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval was obtained before study initiation.

Results

A total of 38 faculty members and instructors responded (response rate: 32%), 63% of whom were female. Most respondents (92%) reported publishing at least one paper per year, and 79% felt encouraged by college leadership to conduct research. The most commonly reported barriers included limited funding, shortages of skilled staff, restricted access to patient populations, insufficient protected research time, challenges with IRB approval, and limited mentorship. Suggested strategies to strengthen the research culture included expanding research incentives, increasing technical support, and recruiting full-time researchers and research assistants.

Conclusions

This study identified key barriers to research at a newly established private medical college in Saudi Arabia. Despite relatively high research activity, productivity is constrained by limited funding, staffing shortages, and restricted access to research support and patient populations. Addressing these gaps through strengthened funding mechanisms, enhanced research infrastructure, expanded incentives, and dedicated research support personnel is essential for fostering a sustainable and productive research culture. Prioritizing protected research time should also be a permanent institutional goal.