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Pritchard L, Bright KS, Walsh CM, Samuel S, Li QKW, Wollny K, Twilt M, Tomfohr-Madsen L, Pires L, Dimitropoulos G. "Walking on both sides of the fence": A qualitative exploration of the challenges and opportunities facing emergent clinician-scientists in child health. J Eval Clin Pract 2023; 29:59-68. [PMID: 35700054 DOI: 10.1111/jep.13719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE, AIMS, AND OBJECTIVES While paediatric clinician-scientists are ideally positioned to generate clinically relevant research and translate research evidence into practice, they face challenges in this dual role. The authors sought to explore the unique contributions, opportunities, and challenges of paediatric clinician-scientists, including issues related to training and ongoing support needs to ensure their success. METHOD The authors used a qualitative descriptive approach with thematic analysis to explore the experiences of clinician-scientist stakeholders in child health (n = 39). Semi-structured interviews (60 min) were conducted virtually and recorded. Thematic analysis was conducted according to the phases outlined by Braun and Clarke (2006). RESULTS The analysis resulted in the creation of three themes: (1) "Walking on both sides of the fence": unique positioning of clinician-scientists for advancing clinical practice and research; (2) the clinician-scientist: a specialized role with significant challenges; and (3) beyond the basics of clinical and research training programmes: essential skill sets and knowledge for future clinician-scientists. CONCLUSIONS While clinician-scientists can make unique contributions to the advancement of evidence-based practice, they face significant barriers straddling their dual roles including divergent institutional cultures in healthcare and academia and a lack of infrastructure to effectively support clinician-scientist positions. Training programmes can play an important role in mentoring and supporting early-career clinician-scientists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley Pritchard
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Katherine S Bright
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Catharine M Walsh
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,SickKids Research and Learning Institutes, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics and the Wilson Centre, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susan Samuel
- Departments of Pediatrics and Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Queenie K W Li
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Krista Wollny
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Canadian Child Health Clinician Scientist Program (PILLAR), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marinka Twilt
- Department of Pediatrics, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Departments of Educational and Counselling Psychology and Special Education (ECPS), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Linda Pires
- Canadian Child Health Clinician Scientist Training Program (CCHCSP), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gina Dimitropoulos
- Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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