TABLE 3.

Themes and subthemes.

Themes	Subthemes
Prior exposure to research	Minimal prior exposure to research Assumption of prior knowledge and competencies led to feeling overwhelmed and emotional distress
Formal teaching of research competencies	Formal programmes were offered by training institutions, but with no standardised approach Additional training courses led to an improved skillset Journal clubs and contact sessions improved research competencies
The institutional processes involved with the research process	Ethics and provincial approval was a time consuming process Library services and scholarly support services were crucial for the completion of the research project Lack of transcription and translation services led to outsourcing Lack of financial support led to self-funded research and subsequent delays The aim to publish was a positive driving force to complete the research Fair examination process
The experience of performing research	The feasibility of the research project was a deciding factor in the completion thereof Lack of deadlines Challenges of the health system Supportive resources such as research assistants Informative process with the learning of new skills and research competencies
External and unpredictable factors influencing the research process	Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic offered challenges and opportunities Social unrest and riots caused challenges and delays
The registrar-supervisor relationship	A collaborative approach was needed with the appointment of the supervisor Responsiveness, accessibility and quality of feedback was vital Supervisor could also function as a mentor and role model Expertise of the supervisor contributed to the trustworthiness of the relationship
Balancing clinical responsibilities with personal factors and the research process	The challenges of balancing clinical responsibilities with the academic load and personal factors Time taken away from clinical duties could cause strained workplace relationships Protected time to perform research supported the timely completion of the project Registrars had to navigate stress, the emotional burden, time management and motivation related to the research project Experience of performing the research project influenced the possibility of future engagement with research