Perception of the Clinical Dietitians in Conducting Research: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background and purpose: Clinical research is essential for advancing clinical management, enhancing healthcare quality, and improving patient outcomes. This study seeks to examine the perceptions of clinical dietitians in Malaysia regarding their involvement in research within government settings. Method: Clinical dietitians from government settings were recruited as participants using purposive sampling through focus group discussions. Key questions were posed to explore their perceptions and the factors that influence their involvement in research. Result: Findings reveal that clinical dietitians recognize the importance of research, but various factors shape their involvement, aiming to enhance nutrition and patient care outcomes. This study identified factors that were categorized into three clusters: factors influencing dietitians in conducting research, challenges in conducting research and expectations in conducting research. Discussion & conclusion: This qualitative study explores clinical dietitians' perceptions of conducting research in government healthcare settings in Malaysia. The findings reveal three main themes: factors influencing research involvement, challenges faced, and dietitians’ expectations. Key motivators include the desire to improve patient outcomes through evidence-based nutrition, professional development, and mentorship. However, barriers such as limited time, funding, and resources, as well as the complexity of dietary data collection, hinder research participation. Participants highlighted the importance of protected research time, career advancement opportunities, and professional recognition in motivating research engagement. The study underscores the need for a supportive environment and enhanced research training to foster greater involvement in dietetic research.