Background: Medical research improves patient outcomes, patient satisfaction, staff morale and retention. It is unclear what research opportunities and training staff in acute medicine had.
Methods: The Society for Acute Medicine supported a survey to assess current research activity, training and perceived opportunities and barriers.
Results: 292 responses were received from diverse professional backgrounds. Few respondents had formal research qualifications or were undertaking research, but the majority valued research and wanted more research experience including formal training. Barriers included time constraints and perception that research in acute medicine was less valued by healthcare organisations. Preferred mechanisms to increase research included mentorship, advocacy, and increased opportunities.
Conclusions: Strategies to increase research in acute medicine should consider these results in forward planning.