Research interest, experience and confidence of allied health professionals working in medical imaging: a cross-sectional survey

Survey of research attitudes of RTTs working in Scotland: A Scottish radiographer research forum collaboration

Purpose

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is associated with improved treatment outcomes and survival in cancer patients. Engagement from therapeutic radiographers/radiation therapists (RTTs) in research, has been identified as a challenge. The aim of this survey was to gain an understanding of RTT attitudes to research in Scotland.

Methods

This was a prospective study that used a mixed method cross-sectional survey, with an online survey tool (Webropol). The survey was developed with collaborators from all Scottish Radiotherapy Centres (n = 5) and piloted by 6 conveniently sampled RTT and validated by 8 experienced RTTs. The survey comprised 29 items, 7 selection-based demographic questions, and 18 statements with a Likert 5-point metric scale rating (1 = strongly disagree, 2 = disagree, 3 = neutral, 4 = agree, 5 = strongly agree). The validity was measured with the content validity index (CVI) and item-CVI by 8 experienced RTTs. Low scoring I-CVI (<0.78) questions were removed.A total of 314 RTTs working in Scottish Radiotherapy Centres were invited to participate. Approvals were given by each Head of department (HoD), who also confirmed number of RTTs.

Results

A total of 102/314 (32.5 %) RTTs responded. The majority of RTTs agreed they were confident they had sufficient research skills to inform EBP (n = 58/102, 56.9 %), felt confident discussing EBP with colleagues (n = 67, 65.7 %) and felt research was important for role development (n = 89, 87.2 %). Low mean scores and standard deviation (SD) were observed for the following: "I know how to get involved in research" 3.2 (1.2), "I have been given the opportunity to get involved in research" 3.2 (1.1), and "I am well informed about current research projects in my department" 3.2 (1.1). 57.8 % (n = 59) of RTTs disagreed they were confident adequate time would be provided to be involved in research.

Conclusion

The survey results demonstrated a predominantly positive attitude to research amongst RTTs working in Scottish centres, with most common perceived barriers being access to protected time and staff; training, and support.

Assessing evidence-based practice among Australian radiographers: A self-report survey

INTRODUCTION

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is essential for ensuring the delivery of effective and efficient healthcare. Despite this, EBP is not always well implemented in the clinical environment. Evidence suggests that the application of EBP is likely impacted by healthcare workers' attitudes, knowledge and skills. While there has been a recent proliferation of international research examining diagnostic radiographers' attitudes towards, knowledge of and skills in EBP, no such research exists in an Australian context.

METHODS

This study presents the results of a validated self-report survey, the evidence-based practice questionnaire (EBPQ), administered to Australian diagnostic radiographers. The data were described and aggregated means were calculated for each of the domains. Inferential statistical tests were computed, including Cronbach's alpha, Pearson's correlations and independent t-tests, and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

RESULTS

The aggregated mean for the practice domain was 5.02 (SD 1.104), for the attitudes domain it was 5.41 (SD 1.169), and for the knowledge and skills domain, it was 5.20 (SD 1.177) on a seven-point scale. Significant associations were identified among these domains, with individuals holding higher qualifications and occupying leadership positions more likely to score higher. Additionally, the modality in which an individual primarily practiced appeared to also have an impact on their score. However, no significant correlation was found between any domain and the number of years an individual had been practicing.

CONCLUSION

This research has established a baseline of Australian diagnostic radiographers' practices, knowledge skills and attitudes towards evidence-based practice.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

This baseline can inform the development of interventions aimed at enhancing the role of evidence-based practice in the sampled population.

Research and evidence-based practice in clinical radiography: A systematic review of barriers and recommendations for a new direction

INTRODUCTION

Existing literature provides valuable insight into the application of evidence-based practice (EBP) in Radiography; however, it primarily focuses on localised, context-specific scenarios within individual countries or institutions. This review aims to systematically explore the barriers to EBP and research implementation in clinical Radiography practice internationally.

METHODOLOGY

A mixed-method systematic review was implemented to obtain data from primary studies of qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods designs. Articles were searched between June and July 2023 from the following scientific databases: PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Science Direct and manual search dating from 2003 to July 2023. The reviewed studies were subjected to data extraction and results-based convergent synthesis.

RESULTS

A total of 376 articles were identified through electronic database search and citation screening after the removal of duplicates. Thirty-one studies met the predetermined inclusion criteria and were included for this review. The challenges to EBP implementation in clinical Radiography are broadly themed around professional and personal obligations, motivation and organisational culture, knowledge and skill gaps, resources and opportunities, and institutional governance.

CONCLUSION

Globally, clinical radiographers perceived a high level of motivation and interest towards research activities. However, numerous barriers were reported such as insufficient time allocation for research, lack of resources, lack of research culture and inadequate research-related skills and knowledge. A transition towards greater evidence-based practice precipitates the quality of clinical Radiography services, augmenting efficiency in the workflow process and enriching patient experience.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Radiography managers must develop strategies that aim to stimulate radiographers to initiate research projects. Beyond allocation of protected time, managers should inspire staff participation in research activities through implementation of effective departmental level culture and governance for quality service delivery and improved patient care.

Promotion of research culture among radiographers in one UK NHS trust through journal club activities - An autoethnographic study

INTRODUCTION

The poor research culture within the radiography profession can be addressed through initiatives such journal club activities. The role of a research radiographer is best suited to drive achievement of journal club outcomes for research culture improvement; however, the cultural environment of healthcare providers presents challenges. This is an autoethnographic account of a research radiographer in promoting research culture among diagnostic radiographers in a single UK NHS trust through journal club activities.

METHODS

The study adopts an analytical autoethnography methodology to critically analyse reflective accounts of the research radiographer's experiences and the interplay with the cultural environment in which the experiences occurred. The reflective accounts are supported by locally collected data during a 10-month period of the journal club and published literature.

RESULTS

The establishment of the journal club received encouraging support from the senior management, university academics, library services and radiography professionals. There are initial signs of research culture improvement among participants of the journal club as observed through engagement in research related activities. However, cultural challenges including lack of time to explore gaps in research evidence, and prioritisation of clinical duties over research related activities, may have affected the achievement of expected outcomes of the club.

CONCLUSION

The research radiographer is well placed to encourage research culture within the clinical imaging department through targeted initiatives such as journal clubs. The long-term contributions of such initiative to departmental efficiency and quality service delivery should encourage optimum support to actualize expected outcomes.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Encouragement of journal clubs as a means of improving research culture within clinical radiography teams, driven by research radiographers. Encouragement of management support for the achievement of set outcomes of journal clubs.

Engagement in radiation therapy research: What happens after graduation?

BACKGROUND

To prepare undergraduate radiation therapy (RT) students for the professional role of Scholarly Practitioner the University of Alberta's Radiation Therapy Program (RADTH) provides research education, and students conduct novel research studies during their final practicum year with the final result being a publishable paper. A curriculum evaluation project was carried out to examine the impact of the RADTH undergraduate research education by examining the final outcomes of these research projects and whether the learners carried out further research after graduation.

METHODS

Alumni who graduated from 2017 to 2020 were surveyed to seek information on the dissemination of their research projects, whether the projects resulted in a change to practice, policy, or patient care, if subsequent research has been performed by the graduates, and the motivators or barriers to conducting research post-graduation. A subsequent manual search of publication databases was conducted to fill in data gaps pertaining to publications.

RESULTS

All RADTH research projects have been disseminated by conference presentation and/or publication. One project was reported to have had an impact on practice, with no impact reported for five projects and two respondents not sure about any impact. All respondents reported they have not participated in any new research projects since graduation. Barriers listed included: limited local opportunity, lack of topic ideas, other professional development, no interest in research, COVID impact, and lack of research knowledge.

CONCLUSIONS

RADTH's research education curriculum successfully enables the RT students to conduct and disseminate research. All RADTH projects have been successfully disseminated by the graduates. However, participation in research post-graduation is not occurring due to a variety of factors. While MRT education programs are required to develop research skills, this education alone may not alter motivation nor ensure research participation post-graduation. Exploring other avenues of professional scholarship may be key to ensuring contribution to evidence-informed practice.

Evidence based practice, research and the diagnostic radiographer role. An exploration of engagement, expectations and attitudes at a single centre

INTRODUCTION

The benefits of evidence-based practice (EBP) and research in healthcare are widely accepted for the patient, professional and organisation. However, allied health professional and radiographer activity remains lacking; this study aimed to explore this at a local level.

METHODS

This single centre study utilised mixed methods research methodology to triangulate findings from three parallel data collections. Document analysis of radiographer job descriptions (JDs) and appraisal frameworks, retrospective review of completed research activities, and a survey of radiographer perspectives were undertaken. Data analysis included content analysis, thematic analysis and descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

In three years (2018-2020), 290 EBP activities were completed; 287 were audit and three were service evaluations. There were no documented research projects and no entry level radiographer involvement. The survey response rate was 65.3% (n = 77/118). All JDs describe research engagement, but 50.6% of survey respondents did not realise this. There were inconsistencies and lack of clear progression in these expectations and no direct reference to research in the standard appraisal documentation. Radiographers demonstrated a positive attitude towards research and EBP but felt there were barriers preventing activity. Generally, they did not perceive a strong research culture in their department.

CONCLUSION

As part of EBP, research is a requirement for diagnostic radiographers of all levels. There is widespread enthusiasm and a positive attitude from radiographers to engage, yet activity remains low.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

A strong evidence-based culture needs to be prioritised, to embrace the current enthusiasm from radiographers to engage, and accordingly bridge the gap between aspirations of their professional body and actual clinical practice.

Research demographics of Australian medical radiation practitioners

INTRODUCTION

Advancement within the Medical Radiation Profession has seen an increased need for Medical Radiation Practitioners (MRPs) to develop research skills to provide and access relevant and accurate information to maintain best practice. The aim of this study was to ascertain the current research demographics of Australian Medical Radiation Practitioners (MRPs), determine perceived barriers to participating in research and to establish needs-based initiatives to support MRPs in undertaking research.

METHODS

A quantitative and qualitative cross-sectional survey of Australian MRPs using an electronic survey tool was distributed between November and December 2020. Participants were recruited via an invitation email sent to Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (ASMIRT) members. A chain-referral sampling technique was adopted for data collection.

RESULTS

A total of 431 participants responded to the survey, representing 2.3% of Australian MRPs. The majority of respondents had a bachelor's degree or higher (71.9%) with 8.4% having postgraduate research qualifications (PhD- 3.2%; Professional Doctorate- 0.7%; Masters- 4.5%). Of the respondents, 15.4% plan to undertake postgraduate research in the future, with 68.2% having no plans for postgraduate research. Respondents identified lack of time (47.0%), lack of interest (33.4%), cost (24.2%) and workplace support (23.9%) as contributing factors for not undertaking postgraduate research.

CONCLUSION

The number of MRPs who have been awarded or will be awarded a postgraduate degree has increased over recent decades. However, many still indicate a lack of interest in being actively involved in research. Targeted support mechanisms should be implemented to address perceived or real barriers to continue to grow research capacity within the profession.

Identification of research priorities of radiography science: A modified Delphi study in Europe

Radiography science is a new discipline among health sciences. It is a discipline that investigates phenomena in medical imaging, radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine. It has merged from the need to provide research evidence to support these services. The domain of the discipline needs clarification and more research should be focused on its paradigmatic issues. Radiography research priorities have been previously charted on a national level in different countries but the viewpoint has been that of the needs of the profession, not of the discipline. This study aimed to identify the priorities of the discipline. The method chosen was a modified version of the Delphi technique with two rounds. The expert panel consisted of 24 European radiography researchers with long professional experience. This study shows that the research priorities in radiography science are related to the phenomena of radiographers' profession, clinical practices, and the safe and high-quality use of radiation and technology for medical imaging, radiotherapy, and nuclear medicine. Identifying these priorities can help focus research onto most important topics and clarify disciplinary perspective.

We can do it: Improving research culture and capacity in medical radiation sciences

This editorial describes a number of strategies that can be employed to improve research culture and capacity in medical radiation sciences.