A qualitative study of students’ perspectives on barriers to and challenges in health informatics research in Iran

Background: Health Informatics (HI) is a crucial field of study that combines computer science, medical science, and information science to develop and produce information systems and software that support healthcare providers. As a multidisciplinary area, it presents specific challenges for research. This study aimed to identify the barriers and challenges faced by HI researchers. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in 2023. The study population consisted of students from Health Information Management and Medical Informatics who were actively engaged in research. Data collection was carried out through interviews using a voice recorder, with the process continuing until data saturation was achieved. Data analysis was performed using the content validity method. Results: Barriers and challenges were classified into four main themes and 13 main categories. The main categories included teaching, data, time, finances, relationships and cooperation, individual factors, organizational aspects, project management, instruments and infrastructure, cultural influences, methodological concerns, and laws and procedures. Conclusion: Research in HI faces both global challenges and region-specific barriers, such as sanctions and ambiguous roles within healthcare systems, necessitating international collaboration and targeted policy frameworks. Strengthening problem-solving skills, fostering professional mentorship, and adopting interdisciplinary approaches can enhance student engagement and research quality. By emphasizing HI’s critical role in advancing healthcare and leveraging successful global case studies, opportunities for innovation and growth in this field can be unlocked. © The Author(s) 2025.