Impact of Basic Course in Biomedical Research (BCBR) on Medical Teachers and Postgraduate Students Across India: A Cross-Sectional Survey-Based Study.

ABSTRACT

Introduction Despite world-class medical facilities and clinical expertise in India, various challenges have hampered biomedical research, including limited funding, overburdened healthcare professionals, and inadequate research infrastructure. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has recognized the need to enhance research capabilities in the medical community and mandated the Basic Course in Biomedical Research (BCBR). This study evaluates the impact of BCBR on medical teachers and postgraduate students across India. Methods A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted among 245 participants who completed BCBR, out of 1,187 who were sent the questionnaire. A structured questionnaire collected data on demographics, motivations for taking the course, knowledge and skills improvement, and research output. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 29.0 (Released 2022; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results Participants included diverse age groups, with motivations ranging from regulatory compliance to a genuine desire for research knowledge. The majority scored over 70% in the course, indicating substantial knowledge improvement. BCBR positively influenced research output with increased research proposal submissions, publications, and improved thesis mentoring. The analysis showed that participants' designations and branches of study significantly affected course performance, while gender did not. The study revealed a strong correlation between pre-course and post-course performance across various research topics. Conclusion BCBR, mandated by the NMC, not only fulfills regulatory requirements but also promotes a research culture in India's medical community.