Conducting research at non-teaching institutions: Challenges and solutions

Abstract

Research is the basis of evidence-based medicine, which translates into better health care. While teaching institutions have traditionally been the hub of research activities, it can be carried out in other institutions too. There is no dearth of opportunities and material for research at the non-teaching health-care setups, but often the lack of know-how, workforce, and infrastructure hinder clinicians working in them from taking up research. However, with a systematic approach towards planning and conducting research and by acquiring the requisite knowledge of research methodology, these limitations can be effectively overcome. Not only the knowledge about what kind of research projects can be carried out with the available facilities but also about how to obtain the mandatory ethics committee approval is of paramount importance.