Evaluating the impact of a research methodology workshop on medical postgraduates and faculty: A pretest-post-test analysis

Introduction: Research methodology is pivotal in medical practice, providing a structured framework for investigating health phenomena and advancing medical knowledge. However, many medical practitioners lack participation in research activities, and postgraduate training often lacks comprehensive research methodology education. This study addresses this gap by evaluating the efficacy of a research methodology workshop for medical postgraduates (PGs) and faculty members. Materials and Methods: An educational intervention study with a pretest-post-test design was conducted. Participants, including medical PGs and faculty from a tertiary care hospital, were recruited using convenience sampling. The workshop spanned two days, covering study design, data collection, statistical analysis, and research ethics through lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities. Pretest and post-test assessments, consisting of 20 multiple-choice questions, evaluated participants' knowledge before and after the workshop. Data were analyzed using paired-sample t-tests with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The study included 29 participants, with 28 analyzed. A significant improvement in post-test scores (p<0.05) highlighted the workshop's effectiveness. Comparisons with similar studies, such as Prabhu et al.'s research in Tirupati, reinforced these findings, showing substantial enhancement in research skills among healthcare professionals. Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of structured educational interventions in enhancing research competencies among medical professionals. Continued investment in research methodology training and exploration of innovative educational approaches are essential for fostering research excellence and improving patient outcomes.