Radiographers' involvement in research activities and opinions on radiography research: A Nordic survey

Abstract

Introduction: Radiographers' engagement in research is important for the development of evidencebased practice in radiography; however, radiographers' interest in research has rarely been reported. This study sought to ascertain radiographers' opinions about radiography research and investigate their involvement in research activities in four Nordic countries. Methods: This study was conducted in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. A study-specific questionnaire was developed in English and adapted to each language of the study sample, and the content and face validity of the adaptations were evaluated. An online tool was used to collect the study data. The questionnaire link was distributed in September 2019 to radiographers working in clinical settings in four Nordic countries (n ¼ 4572). Results: The overall response rate was 14% (n ¼ 662/4572). Research involvement was reported by 33% of the respondents; data collection was the main type of contribution. Radiographers who contributed to research were more likely to be male, have longer work experience, hold a master's or doctoral degree, work as managers and be employed in university hospitals. Nearly all agreed that radiography research is needed to promote the radiography profession and provide the evidence base for radiographic practice. However, only 14% were aware of the current research evidence regarding their professional field of specialisation, and 19% indicated that they developed current practices based on research evidence. Conclusion: The findings indicate that, although radiographers had positive attitudes towards radiography research, their involvement in research and utilisation of research evidence in practice is low. Implications for practice: Strategies should be developed to improve knowledge and skills related to evidence-based practice and stimulate radiographers' engagement in research.

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

“…Similar discussions of task‐shifting have been topical in other health sciences and we need more research in this area. It will be interesting to see how the rise of AI technology in image interpretation affects this discussion.Studies have shown that radiographers want to conduct research but lack the skills and confidence (Saukko et al, 2021; Dennett et al, 2021). Bolejko et al (2021) propose a strategy for establishing a research culture that is enhanced by support from colleagues and management.…”

“…Even though radiation in health care is highly regulated, at least in the European Union (2013), there is indication that obsolete practices still exist (Maina et al, 2020;Ciraj-Bjelac et al, 2011) and there are gaps in the knowledge of radiation protection measures (Faggioni et al, 2017).The eighth topic rated high, image interpretation, relates to a larger discussion on role extension and transfer of responsibilities from radiologists to radiographers. In the United Kingdom the role extension is well established (Hardy & Snaith, 2009) research but lack the skills and confidence (Saukko et al, 2021;Dennett et al, 2021). Bolejko et al (2021) propose a strategy for establishing a research culture that is enhanced by support from colleagues and management.…”

“…There is an active research community in the discipline but the majority of the published articles are from a small group of researchers (Snaith, 2013). Radiographers are engaged in research activities as assistants or collectors of data but many studies are led by other professionals due to radiographers' limited experience and confidence in conducting research (Saukko et al, 2021; Dennett et al, 2021). However, most radiography professionals tend to think that radiographers should conduct research and lead research projects (Saukko et al, 2021; Ooi et al, 2012).…”

“…Radiographers are engaged in research activities as assistants or collectors of data but many studies are led by other professionals due to radiographers' limited experience and confidence in conducting research (Saukko et al, 2021; Dennett et al, 2021). However, most radiography professionals tend to think that radiographers should conduct research and lead research projects (Saukko et al, 2021; Ooi et al, 2012). Advancement of research engagement would require knowledge about scientific methods, support from colleagues and other professionals, and a positive research culture in workplaces (Bolejko et al, 2021).…”

Radiographers in ultrasound: Motivation and role expansion. A survey of European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS)

“…Increase my role in leadership and education for the above. This to grow the potential of radiographers doing ultrasound to benefit patients" [410,UK] Limited numbers of sonographers undertake research (33%), which corresponds to a recent Nordic study, 30 which was interesting given that 70% of EFRS societies reported actively supporting research in 2015 31 and 75% in 2017. 32 Milner and Snaith (2017) found that 72% of advanced practitioners engaged with research and service development, although only 19.7% specifically undertook "research activity".…”