Impediments to research in pediatric dermatology: The results of a survey of the members of the society for pediatric dermatology

A research task force of the Society for Pediatric Dermatology (SPD) was established to investigate the barriers to expanding research in the field of pediatric dermatology. A survey was designed to address constraints limiting research activities among members of the SPD. A nine-question survey was distributed to SPD members at the annual meeting in 2007. Of the 70 respondents, 99% reported limitations to research activities. Of those, 90% (62/69) cited time constraints as a cause, 71% lack of funding, 38% lack of training, 35% lack of research infrastructure, 10% (7/69) lack of mentoring, and 25% (17/69) cited other reasons. SPD members face many challenges that curtail their bench and clinical research, although time constraints are most common. The high demand for clinic-directed activity and continuing workforce issues in the specialty likely contribute to the time constraints.