Challenges of the Health Research System in a Medical Research Institute in Iran: A Qualitative Content Analysis

Abstract

Background and Aim:Medical research institute is the main basis for knowledge production through conducting research, and paying attention to the research is one of the most important things in the scientific communities. At present, there is a large gap between knowledge production in Iran compared to that in other countries. This study aimed to identify the challenge of research system in a research institute of medical sciences in Iran.Matherials and Methods:This was a descriptive and qualitative study conducted in the first 6 months of 2013. A qualitative content analysis was conducted on 16 heads of research centers in a research institute of medical sciences. The required data were gathered using semi-structured interviews. The collected data were analyzed using MAXQDA 10.0 software.Results:Six themes identified as challenges of research system. The themes included barriers related to the design and development, and approval of research projects, the implementation of research projects, the administrative and managerial issues in the field of research, the personal problems, publishing articles, and guidelines and recommendations.Conclusion:Based on the results of the present study, the following suggestions can be offered: pushing the research towards solving the problems of society, employing the strong executive and scientific reseach directors in the field of research, providing training courses for researchers on how to write proposals, implementing administrative reforms in the Deputy of Research and Technology, accelerating the approval of the projects through automating the administrative and peer-reviewing processes.

Challenges facing clinical research

“…Equally important is the presence of clear application systems. These arrangements may not be well established in an environment that lacks a rooted research heritage (15). More than a third (36.1%) of responders to our questionnaire found that the process of obtaining financial funding for research is not feasible or reasonable.…”

“…The next step is obtaining primary approvals of the division, section, department and/or manager which may involve lengthy presentations and detailed discussions. These administrative bureaucracies and the lengthy approval process have been identified as barriers to conducting clinical research in a qualitative content analysis conducted in Iran (15). Only half of responders (49%) reported that the process of approving a research project within the department is feasible and reasonable.…”

Challenges Facing Clinical Research: An Example From a Middle Eastern Country

“…The next step is obtaining primary approvals of the division, section, department and/or manager which may involve lengthy presentations and detailed discussions. These administrative bureaucracies and the lengthy approval process have been identified as barriers to conducting clinical research in a qualitative content analysis conducted in Iran (Bahadori et al, 2014).…”

“…Equally important is the presence of clear application systems. These arrangements may not be well established in an environment that lacks a rooted research heritage (Bahadori et al, 2014).…”

“…Participants in a qualitative study conducted in a medical sciences institute in Iran expressed that lack of personal financial incentives can deter physicians from spending time and effort in research (Bahadori et al, 2014). In contrast, the introduction of an objective research incentive program stimulated productivity and was appreciated by the faculty in the university of Virginia (Schroen, Thielen, Turrentine, Kron, & Slingluff, 2012).…”