Meeting the research agenda in Australian radiation therapy: the current picture

Abstract

In recent years the role of the radiation therapist (RT) has increasingly evolved. In Australia, one of the major developments has been the transition from practice which was rarely based on scientific evidence, to the profession today which engages in and incorporates research into everyday practice. The aim of this article is to provide an insight into the current status of Australian radiation therapy research. In order to present a national overview, a survey relating to research activity was e-mailed to all (48) clinical centres in Australia. Thirty-six out of the 48 centres responded, representing 13 private and 23 public centres. The results demonstrated that a research culture is beginning to be established and that there are challenges associated with implementing research. The role of universities in facilitating the development of research skills was considered important with an increasing number of practitioners undertaking higher research degrees. Overall, research activity in the Australian radiation therapy community is becoming more prevalent. If the profession is to continue to strengthen its research profile the professional body and universities need to continue providing academic and funding support. Greater focus on multidisciplinary collaboration is needed with direct involvement of RTs in multi-centre studies.

Research from therapeutic radiographers: An audit of research capacity within the UK

“…Numbers undergoing Post Graduate (PG) training is encouraging with 43 staff qualified to Masters level and a further 58 in progress with Masters level study; comparable with PG qualifications reported by Wright et al (12). Unfortunately the upward trend in higher degree doctoral qualifications in Australia(12) was not apparent yet in this UK survey with only 1 doctoral trained Therapeutic Radiographer identified from responding centres; this is an area where Therapeutic Radiographers need to increase their aspirations.…”

“…A third of centres had no radiographer who led on research activity and this will substantially limit the development of a research culture. A total of 40.3 WTE RR posts were reported with 4 centres recording 4 RRs in post; a substantial improvement to the total WTE post holders reported by wright et al (12).…”

“…From the survey it was clear that <10% of responding centres were producing publications. In total, publication levels appear to exceed those reported for Australian Therapeutic Radiographers (12) although this data is now over 4 years old. Training can help with writing skills, working with collaborative partners through a mentorship approach can also be beneficial by tapping into the experience of co-authors (16).…”

“…Covering of routine service delivery is not uncommon with respondents in the Australian survey demonstrating a range of routine service commitments with many posts comprising a 50-50 split between research and clinical work (12).…”

Doctoral profile of the medical radiation sciences: a baseline for Australia and New Zealand

“…Research roles and qualifications are not embedded in the clinical setting across health disciplines . However, increased number of MRS professionals with doctoral qualifications as well as research training and mentorship in the whole profession will add to the evidence base for practice …”