Barriers and enablers of research engagement among multidisciplinary cancer care professionals in Ireland: A mixed-methods study

Abstract

Rationale

Nurses and health and social care professionals (HSCPs) are integral to multidisciplinary cancer care and are well-positioned to engage in research that enhances patient outcomes. However, unlike medical professionals, non-medical clinicians often face substantial barriers to research engagement, including limited institutional support, time constraints, and lack of research training and mentorship.

Aim

To explore the barriers and enablers to research activity among nurses and HSCPs working in clinical cancer care settings in Ireland.

Methods

A mixed methods design was used. Phase 1 consisted of a stakeholder consultation workshop (n = 14) to qualitatively identify research barriers and enablers. Phase 2 involved a cross-sectional questionnaire (n = 157) assessing participants’ research capacity, activity, and influencing factors using the Research Capacity and Culture (RCC) tool and additional study-specific items.

Results

Key barriers identified included lack of protected research time (64.3 %), funding (65.0 %) and resourcing/support (64.3 %). Participants reported moderate individual research skills, particularly in literature review and data collection, but lower confidence in research leadership activities, including grant writing, budgeting, and protocol development. Despite barriers, 73.9 % of participants expressed interest in research activities, especially in data collection, analysis, and project leadership. Access to academic-clinical partnerships, supportive management, and training opportunities were cited as critical enablers.

Conclusions

There is significant untapped potential for research engagement among non-medical cancer care professionals in Ireland. Organizational investment in protected research time, mentorship, and targeted training is essential to build research capacity, support clinician-led research, and improve outcomes for patients and healthcare systems alike.