Student Engagement in Medical Research Curriculum Development Strategies: A Comprehensive Approach Utilizing Mixed-Methods Study and SWOT-TOWS-AHP Analysis

IntroductionStudent engagement in medical curriculum development has become increasingly important, yet structured frameworks for decision-making and prioritizing strategies remain limited. This study demonstrates an approach integrating student representatives into strategy development to enhance engagement in medical research (MR) curriculum design and highlights students' perspectives on MR.MethodsA mixed-methods study was conducted with 262 clinical year medical students and intern doctors. Participants completed a questionnaire on practices, perceptions, attitudes, motivations, and barriers related to MR. Focused group discussions evaluated beliefs towards MR and the faculty's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Thematic analysis was performed. Strategies were developed using the TOWS matrix, and student representatives ranked the strategies using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP).ResultsMR is perceived as complex and nonessential, yet its benefits in career development, patient care, and knowledge advancement are well-recognized. The chance to pursue research on personally interesting topics motivates student engagement in MR. However, curriculum overload has emerged as a significant barrier. The opportunity-strength strategy received the highest priority score of 0.33. The preferred sub-strategy involves establishing a centralized communication and coordination system to connect expert professors in both pre-clinical and clinical medical fields, both within and outside the institution, thereby enhancing the diversity of available mentors (priority score = 0.12).ConclusionTo address curriculum overload, a centralized communication system and coordination between students and experts are necessary. Additionally, cultivating time management skills is essential. Involving students in curriculum development ensures that their perspectives and needs are considered, leading to the creation of insightful strategies.