Clinical Research Knowledge of Medical Graduates in Japan: A Pilot Study

Background: Clinical research education is critical for cultivating physician-scientists and ensuring evidence-based practice. However, the extent to which newly graduated physicians in Japan possess clinical research competencies remains unclear. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between April and May 2024 among 458 postgraduate year-zero (PGY0) resident physicians in Japan. Participants completed five clinical research knowledge questions selected from a validated 48-item assessment tool. The responses from PGY0 residents were newly collected for this study, while comparative data from principal investigators and clinical research support staff were drawn from previously collected datasets and reanalyzed here at the item level. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on university type and designation as a clinical research core hospital. Results: Only 37.7% of PGY0 residents correctly answered a question on the research process, compared to 75.0% of principal investigators and 94.4% of support staff, based on data collected in a previous study. The highest correct answer rate among PGY0 residents was 77.9% for a question on managing conflicts of interest; however, it still trailed the comparison groups. Correct rates on the remaining items ranged from 53.7% to 73.2%, while both comparison groups exceeded 75% for all items. Graduates of schools affiliated to clinical research core hospitals scored significantly higher than others (p = .011). Conclusions: The findings indicate substantial gaps in clinical research knowledge among newly graduated physicians and underscore the need for improved undergraduate training. Structured curricula and early postgraduate training that include hands-on, project-based research are vital for developing physician-investigators and enhancing Japan’s global research contributions.