A qualitative study of obstacles and facilitators for enhancing academic engagement among support staff in the Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital
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Abstract
This qualitative study aimed to explore the obstacles to academic engagement and identifying strategies to enhance such engagement among support staff in the Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University. Eighteen participants were purposively selected from support staff, both with and without prior experience in academic engagement, for in-depth interviews. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and then analyzed using conventional content analysis, with results presented in narrative form.
The findings revealed that obstacles to academic engagement among support staff included: (1) personal attitudes; (2) limited allocated time for academic activities; (3) insufficient knowledge, skills, and experience; (4) routine workload or additional tasks; (5) internal factors and lack of motivation; and (6) inadequate support from colleagues or the organization. Additional obstacles included job positions and responsibilities, limited access to research resources, difficulties in defining research topics, changes in workload assignments, and personal obligations. Participants suggested that facilitators for enhancing academic engagement included: (1) mentorship or advisory support; (2) fostering motivation and raising awareness of the importance of academic engagement; (3) allocating dedicated time; and (4) establishing collaborative academic teams. Further essential support included theoretical and practical training, guidance on topic selection for academic work, funding support, a conducive environment, adequate facilities and equipment, access to up-to-date information resources, computers, and data analysis software.
The study suggests that addressing these obstacles through the implementation of appropriate facilitators could enhance the academic engagement of support staff, thereby contributing to self-development, improving routine work performance, advancing organizational goals, and providing opportunities for career progression.
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