Factors Influencing the Clinical Research Behavior Among Physicians: A Qualitative Study Publisher



Rastegari F ; Soleymani MR ; Nouri R ; Alavi M
Source: Advances in Medical Education and Practice Published:2026

Abstract

Purpose: Conducting research by physicians plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of education, clinical practice, and knowledge production within the healthcare system. Despite several studies conducted in this domain, the process underlying clinical research behavior among physicians has not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to provide a theoretical explanation of the research behavior of physicians at medical universities. Methods: This qualitative study employed a thematic analysis approach to explore and explain the research behavior of physicians in Iranian medical universities from March 2024 to March 2025. Twenty-two physicians were selected through purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the data were analyzed using Strauss and Corbin’s (1998) grounded theory approach, supported by MAXQDA 20 software. Results: The data analysis resulted in the emergence of five main categories: (1) individual factors, (2) organizational factors, (3) research-related factors, (4) factors related to the process of conducting research activities, and (5) environmental factors. The core category identified in this study was conducting clinical research, which was present throughout all stages of the clinical research behavior process. Conclusion: The research behavior of physicians is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by various individual, organizational, research-related, and environmental factors. Hence, adopting a comprehensive and multidimensional approach is essential. The insights gained from this study can inform institutional and national policymaking aimed at improving the quantity and quality of physicians’ research behavior, thereby enhancing physicians’ professional contributions and advancing the research capacity of the healthcare sector. © 2026 Rastegari et al.