The impact of COVID-19 on clinical research at Australian and New Zealand universities: A qualitative study

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the implementation of social distancing measures, travel restrictions, and infection control measures that introduced a myriad of disruptions in the conduct of clinical research worldwide. As a result, many aspects of clinical research were variably impacted.

Aim

To explore the impact of the first 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical research across accredited nursing, pharmacy, and medicine program providers in Australian and New Zealand universities.

Methods

Representatives from all program providers across Australian and New Zealand universities, with publicly available contact information, were invited to participate in this qualitative study, whereby semi-structured interviews were completed with participants who held senior research or leadership positions within their institution. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and inductively analysed using thematic content analysis.

Findings

Interviews were conducted with 16 participants between August and October 2021. Two major themes were identified (Immediate Research Impact and Broader Research Impact) with six subthemes: Prioritisation, Continuation, and Dissemination of Research; Modifications to Research; Funding and Changes to Research Focus; Collaboration; Research Workforce; Context-specific Impacts.

Discussion

The impact on clinical research in Australian and New Zealand universities included changes to data collection methods, a perceived decreased quality of research, changes to collaboration, neglect of basic disease research, and loss of the research workforce.

Conclusion

This study highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical research within the Australian and New Zealand university context. Implications of these impacts should be considered to ensure long-term sustainability of research and preparedness for future disruptions.