A qualitative exploration of the impact of covid-19 pandemic on research in health professions

OBJECTIVE: To explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on research in health professions. METHODS: It was a qualitative case study. Semi-structured interviews were done with researchers who were selected through purposive sampling. After thirteen interviews, data saturation was achieved. The interviews were recorded on zoom, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed manually for codes, categories, and themes. RESULTS: This study explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health research through interviews with researchers, revealing three major themes and thirteen subthemes. The themes encompass the challenges encountered by researchers, the research opportunities provided by the pandemic, and modifications in ongoing and planned projects. All participants expressed that the pandemic brought numerous hurdles, including reduced research opportunities, challenges in data collection, small sample sizes, quality assurance concerns, and delays in project completion. However, it also offered silver linings such as the development of new competencies, a shift in research priorities, and increased reliance on virtual platforms for collaboration and data collection. These findings highlight both the obstacles and innovations prompted by the pandemic in health research. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted health research, acting as a catalyst for innovation, particularly through the increased use of digital tools and virtual platforms. While researchers faced substantial challenges like disruptions in methodologies and project timelines, these adaptations may persist as integral elements of the research paradigm in health professions, guiding future policy and practice beyond the pandemic.