Forschung an HNO-Universitätsklinika – Ergebnisse einer deutschlandweiten Umfrage zu Motivation, Hindernissen und Fördermöglichkeiten

BACKGROUND: Research is a central pillar of academic otorhinolaryngology. However, clinicians increasingly face difficulties with integrating scientific activity into their demanding clinical routines. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess research motivation, perceived barriers, and structural conditions among clinicians at German university ENT departments and to derive practical recommendations for improvement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An anonymized online survey was distributed among otorhinolaryngologists working in German academic hospitals. Data were analyzed descriptively. RESULTS: Of 131 respondents, 84% worked fulltime, 89% held a doctoral degree, and 28% had completed habilitation. While extrinsic motivation dominated among doctoral candidates, habilitation aspirants were more driven by intrinsic factors such as scientific curiosity and enjoyment of research. Main obstacles included insufficient staffing, high documentation load, and lack of protected research time. Research was frequently conducted outside of regular working hours. Although research development was regularly addressed by management levels, only 36% felt adequately supported. Moreover, 68% of participants reported no perceived benefit of research engagement for their surgical training opportunities. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight a systemic tension between clinical demands and research. To ensure sustainable academic productivity in university ENT departments, institutional strategies such as protected time, reduction of the bureaucratic burden, and transparent support mechanisms are needed.