SAS doctors are uniquely well placed to contribute to patient-centred research, according to the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC), which cites two key advantages that SAS doctors hold. First, their exposure to hands-on care – enabling them to observe patterns, identify research needs and recruit and follow up patients for research. Second, their permanent positions, which offer the ability to carry out research projects through to completion and translate research results into day-to-day practice.
Despite these advantages, less than 5% of SAS doctors were involved in research when surveyed by the GMC in 2019. Explanations for this include NHS trust culture, lack of time and credibility, with many SAS doctors thought to lack exposure to research in the earlier stages of their careers (AoMRC, 2020). The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has committed to supporting the development of SAS doctors in research as part of its SAS doctor strategy (RCP, 2022). Actions include understanding and addressing the barriers that deter SAS doctors from participating in research, supporting SAS doctors to undertake higher degrees in research, and funding awards to promote and celebrate research activity from SAS doctors.
As part of the Royal College of Surgeons England’s in-house audit of activities to remove barriers and enhance the involvement of SAS surgeons in all aspects of College life, in October 2022, it opened up one-year research fellowships, pump-priming grants and awards to SAS surgeons. Other activities include:
- supporting SAS surgeons to act as Principal Investigators (PIs) in surgical trials;
- ensuring there is SAS representation on the College’s Research and Quality Committee;
- providing access to a wide range of library and information services.
