A quantitative assessment of the time to complete the Master of Medicine research thesis in a cohort of paediatrics registrars at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.

Abstract

Background: The Health Professions Council of South Africa implemented a compulsory research component for specialist practitioner registration through the Master of Medicine (MMed) degree in 2011, eliciting both commendation and critique. Chief among the concerns is the extended time required for MMed completion. This study explores the duration of each component of the MMed research thesis and discusses the potential problematic areas in terms of its timeous completion, about which there is currently a lack of data, with particular regard to the South African (SA) setting.

Objectives: To quantitatively delineate the various components of the MMed research thesis process, identify potential barriers to its completion, and formulate a recommended evidence-based proposed timeline allowing for successful and timeous completion of the MMed.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of MMed degrees completed by paediatrics registrars at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, SA, from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2018, and an electronic survey of former MMed students, detailing the duration of each of the components of the MMed research thesis process.

Results: The survey had a 70.5% response rate (n=148 respondents, of whom 141 fully completed the survey). The median (interquartile range) time to complete the MMed research thesis was 30 (21 - 42) months. While 78.0% of respondents deemed 4 years adequate for completion, 15.6% reported durations exceeding 4 years, and 2.1% had not completed the MMed. The components of the research thesis with the longest duration in terms of completion included development of a first draft of the research protocol, data analysis, and development of the first draft of the final report. Factors reportedly associated with successful completion of the thesis were a supportive supervisor and the provision of a research rotation.

Conclusion: A significant portion of candidates do not complete the MMed research thesis within the 4-year training period, hindering specialist registration. The major contributing factors appear to be related to candidates' inexperience regarding the research process and lack of exposure to it, as well as some of the administrative procedures involved. Utilisation of the recommendations and structured timeline will help identify problematic areas timeously and ensure successful completion of the thesis.