Preference of Chinese clinical researchers to participate in international clinical research training: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Systematic and internationally standardized clinical research training has not traditionally been widely accessible. With the growing volume and improving quality of clinical research in China, a pressing question facing Chinese clinical investigators is how to enhance the global impact of their research outputs. This study seeks to examine the needs and preferences of Chinese clinical researchers with respect to international clinical research training.

Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed through the "NEJM Medical Frontiers" WeChat platform. The survey collected data on participants' demographic characteristics, preference to participate in international clinical research, and their training needs and preferences. This study adopted a non-probability sampling approach, primarily utilizing a WeChat public platform to disseminate the questionnaire and invite user participation within a defined time frame. To further expand the sample, a peer referral strategy was employed, whereby participants were encouraged to share the survey with their contacts. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with clinical researchers' preferences for international training.

Results: Between January 11 and February 7, 2023, 324 questionnaires were completed, of which 312 were valid(physicians (66.7%, n = 208), with the remainder from universities, research institutes, or pharmaceutical-related companies (33.3%, n = 104)). Overall, 247 respondents (78.9%) expressed interest in international clinical research training. Those with a doctoral degree and first-author experience in Science Citation Index (SCI) publications (68.4%, n = 121, P = 0.040), particularly those with 1-9 publications (72.2%, n = 109, P = 0.028), were significantly more likely to show interest. These respondents also prioritized learning clinical research design methods (mean score: 7.28 vs. 6.52, P = 0.009), especially randomized controlled trials (n = 118, P = 0.048).

Conclusion: The findings suggest a potential demand for high-quality international clinical research training among certain groups of Chinese clinical researchers. Respondents with higher educational qualifications and SCI publication experience appeared more likely to express interest in engaging in rigorous research and in participating in international training programs. Their training priorities were primarily related to study design, with particular emphasis on the conduct of large-scale randomized controlled trials(RCTs).

Keywords: Clinical research training; Cross-sectional survey; International medical education; Randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Fig. 1

*Elective reporting inclusion flowchart n = number of reports