Advancing Medical Research in Saudi Arabia in Alignment with Vision 2030: Barriers, Progress and Future Directions
Abdulhameed G. Albeshr *
King Abdulaziz Medical City for National Guard, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Ashwag S. Albasheer
King Abdulaziz University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Bandar F. Alaqeel
King Abdulaziz Medical City, Pharmaceutical Care Department, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Ebtehal G. Albeshir
Department of Restorative Dentistry, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Fatmah S. Alsaad
King Abdulaziz Medical City for National Guard, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Hend H. Alharbi
King Abdulaziz Medical City, Pharmaceutical Care Department, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Mada A. Alanizi
King Abdulaziz Medical City for National Guard, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Merh A.Alroidan
King Abdulaziz Medical City for National Guard, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Mona A. Alshahrani
King Abdulaziz Medical City for National Guard, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Munifa A. Alenazi
King Abdulaziz University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Nourah A. Majrashi
King Abdulaziz University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Ohood A. Almutawa
King Abdulaziz Medical City for National Guard, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Seetah A. Alajmi
King Abdulaziz Medical City for National Guard, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Setah T. Alanazi
King Abdulaziz Medical City for National Guard, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Shadyah E. Alfaori
King Abdulaziz Medical City for National Guard, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Wejdan Ibrahim Bin Amer
Al Aflaj General Hospital, Al Aflaj, Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia.
Yazeed A. Alhabdan
King Abdulaziz Medical City for National Guard, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Medical research is fundamental to evidence-based healthcare and plays a critical role in improving clinical practice, professional development, and health-system performance. Despite substantial investment in healthcare and academic infrastructure, research productivity among healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia remains variable, with several reported challenges limiting effective research engagement.
Objective: To systematically review and synthesise existing evidence on attitudes, knowledge, research participation, and barriers to conducting and publishing medical research among healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and the Saudi Digital Library. English-language studies published up to September 2023 that examined research engagement, productivity, attitudes, or barriers among Saudi healthcare professionals or trainees were included. Eligible studies were screened, and relevant data were extracted and narratively synthesised due to methodological heterogeneity.
Results: Most included studies reported positive attitudes toward medical research, with more than 66% of participants acknowledging its importance for professional growth and evidence-based practice. However, actual research participation and publication output were considerably lower, frequently reported in fewer than 30% of respondents. Lack of protected research time and heavy clinical workload were the most common barriers, affecting approximately half to three-quarters of healthcare professionals. Additional obstacles included inadequate training in research methodology and biostatistics, limited mentorship, insufficient institutional support, and complex ethical approval processes. Institutions with structured research training, protected time, and incentive-based promotion policies demonstrated higher research productivity.
Conclusion: Although awareness and positive attitudes toward medical research are widespread among healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia, significant individual and institutional barriers continue to limit research output. Addressing these challenges through structured education, protected research time, streamlined governance, and incentive-based academic systems is essential to strengthen research capacity and align with Saudi Vision 2030 healthcare objectives.
Keywords: Medical research, research barriers, healthcare professionals, research productivity, evidence-based medicine, Saudi Arabia, narrative review