Outcomes of Foundational Learning in Research Methods Following Primary Medical Qualification on Surgical Research: A Retrospective Review

Abstract

Introduction: Limited knowledge exists on how post-graduate surgical coursework programs impact surgical research outputs in Australia. This study evaluated the impact of university-based teaching in research methods and supervisor characteristics on research quality and short-term research output for students undertaking the Master of Surgery (MS) post-graduate coursework degree within Australia.

Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis of students enrolled in the dissertation for The University of Sydney MS program between 2010-2020. Grades for the dissertation and research subjects were extracted from the central university analytics. PubMed and Web of Science were used to determine if the dissertation was published and identify other publications by the students. A Google search was completed to identify supervisor characteristics. Statistical analysis involved logistic regression, multiple linear regression and negative binomial regression.

Results: 379 students were included in this study. Fifty-three percent of the students had an associated publication from their dissertation at a median of 18-months post-enrolment and median journal impact-factor 2.19. Students averaged 2.1 additional publications (range 0-30) two years post-dissertation completion. Students with a distinction/high distinction grade in the dissertation subject or ≥three journal publications prior were significantly more likely to publish their dissertation (OR 2.26, 95% CI=1.42-3.61, p<0.001; OR 3.35, 95% CI=1.90-5.92, p<0.001 respectively). Students who received a distinction/high distinction in the research methods subject had 64% more first-author publications within two years of finishing the dissertation (95% CI=1.20–2.23, p=0.002).

Conclusion: Engagement in structured teaching in research methods and prior research experience significantly improves short-term research output amongst early surgical researchers.