Rebuilding child health research capacity in the UK: a national survey of barriers and enablers from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
Sze May Ng, Tianna Stephens, Will CarrollBackground
Paediatric research is critical for evidence-based clinical care and public health policy, yet children remain under-represented in UK biomedical research. Despite comprising 20% of the population, only a small proportion of research funding at 5% is directed towards child health and the clinical–academic paediatric workforce has contracted over time. Limited protected research time, inadequate infrastructure and inconsistent training pathways have further constrained clinician-led research and the development of future academic paediatricians.
Objective
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health undertook a national survey of paediatricians to characterise current research engagement, identify barriers to participation and provide evidence to inform strategies for strengthening child health research capacity.
Methods
A cross-sectional national survey combining quantitative and qualitative questions was disseminated via the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. Data collected included respondent demographics, research activity, perceived barriers and facilitators, access to training and infrastructure support. Thematic analysis was performed on qualitative responses.
Results
404 respondents including paediatric consultants, paediatric trainees, specialty doctors and clinicians in child health participated in the survey. 63% reported engagement in some research activity, yet only 21% had protected research time. Key barriers included lack of time (76%), uncertainty about how to initiate research proposals (49%) and lack of confidence (32%). Respondents demonstrated strong intrinsic motivation for research.
Conclusions
High motivation for research exists among UK paediatric clinicians, but structural barriers severely limit research capacity. Urgent national action is required to address funding, workforce, infrastructure and training gaps to sustain and grow the child health research workforce.