Changes in medical students’ research-related perceptions through student-engaged medical research curriculum experience

Background: This study investigated changes in students’ perceptions related to research following a student-engaged medical research curriculum. Methods: Three surveys were administered to 112 medical students to examine the changes in their perceptions of the need for research competence, research interest, and research self-efficacy after each Medical Research Practice course. Results: The results revealed a decline in the perception of the need for research competence and research interest after Medical Research Practice 2, with a subsequent increase after Medical Research Practice 3. Conversely, research self-efficacy showed steady improvement throughout the curriculum. Additionally, students with prior research experience exhibited higher levels of perception of the need for research competence, research interest, and research self-efficacy than those without such experience. Conclusion: This study provides insights into how medical students’ perceptions change in relation to student-engaged medical research course experiences, supporting expanding research-related curricula and assisting in the development and systematic implementation of similar programs in other medical schools.