Most countries thrive to build and expand national and collaborative research. A number of challenges may hinder clinical researchers and potential researchers particularly in developing and low/middle income countries. We investigated these challenges through a questionnaire presented to health care professionals (HCPs) in the field of cancer during 5 cancer related educational scientific meetings in a Middle Eastern country (Saudi Arabia).The results showed that majority of HCPs are interested in conducting clinical research. However, a number of challenges have been identified including busy service commitments, inadequate time, complexity of research approval process and financial limitations.In the manuscript, we discuss our results in the context of available data in the literature. It became clear during the discussion that these challenges are not unique to low/middle income countries. These challenges are felt globally and have been documented in a number of reports from UK, Europe and USA. Relevant parts of these reports were quoted as appropriate.Although, the setting of our research was in a particular country but upon reading the literature, it became clear that the findings are applicable on a wider global scale.In addition, the manuscript attempts to suggest some solutions to the identified challenges.I hope you find the submitted manuscript worthy of publication at your respected journal.
Notes:The manuscript is original work and no part of the manuscript has been published elsewhere.The author wrote, read and approved this version of the manuscript and its submission to the journal.The development of the submitted manuscript has adhered to ethical standards.The author has solely contributed to the development of the ideas, writing and final review of the submitted manuscript.
AbstractIntroduction: Most countries thrive to build and expand national research. A number of challenges may hinder clinical researchers and potential researchers particularly in developing countries. We aim to study these challenges in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods: A questionnaire reflecting possible challenges was presented to the delegates and faculties of 5 cancer related educational scientific meetings in KSA. Results: One hundred and forty seven responders were practicing in KSA and are the subject of this report of whom 95 (64.6%) were physicians. While 122 (83%) are interested in conducting research, service commitments and inadequate time, process of research approval within one's department and obtaining financial funding were the most frequent challenges reported by 86 (58.5%), 61 (41.5%) and 53 (36.1%) of responders. Conclusion: Major challenges may hinder clinical research development. The identified challenges need to be seriously addressed if advances in clinical research are to be expected.