Evaluating the role of the diagnostic research radiographer

Radiology image interpretation services in a low-resource setting: Medical doctors' experiences and the potential role of radiographers

INTRODUCTION

Medical doctors can encounter significant challenges in both the radiology image interpretation service and their ability to interpret images to promote effective patient management. This study aimed to explore the experiences of medical doctors in a low-resource setting regarding the image interpretation service received in state-funded hospitals and the potential role of radiographers.

METHODS

A qualitative approach with a descriptive phenomenology design was employed. Thirteen medical officers and medical interns, with a maximum of three years of experience, were purposively selected from three state-funded hospitals. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in English, and data analysis followed the conventional content analysis method using Atlas.ti for Windows (version 9).

RESULTS

Three main themes emerged from the data. The first theme was a poor image interpretation service which highlighted issues such as long turnaround times for image reporting and compromised patient management. The second theme was training and support deficiency which revealed the inadequacy of image interpretation training and the need for additional on-the-job support. The third theme was the inconspicuous radiographer role which showcased the potential opportunities for radiographers to aid in filling the gaps in the image interpretation system.

CONCLUSION

Medical doctors in this low-resource setting experience significant delays in radiology image interpretation, leading to compromised patient management. Their training in image interpretation is inadequate, and they often lack on-the-job support. Radiographers potentially play a role in image interpretation which may provide solutions to these contextual challenges.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

There is a need to review and develop a comprehensive image interpretation system that effectively supports medical doctors in image interpretation, possibly involving the collaboration of radiographers.

Exploring Radiographers' Engagement in Research: Motivation and Barriers in Five Arab Countries

(1) Background: This study aims to comprehensively understand the motivations driving radiographers in five Arab countries to engage in research. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study employing an anonymous online survey was conducted for 12 weeks from May to July 2023. The study sample consisted of 250 radiographers, with equal representation from Iraq, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates. (3) Results: Overall, the participants showed limited involvement in research-related activities in all five countries, particularly in presenting at conferences and publishing in peer-reviewed journals. Most participants believed research positively impacts their professional development (34.8%) and patient care and outcomes (40%). The participants perceived professional development (36.4%) as a key motivator for research engagement. A significant majority (81.6%) expressed motivation to start research in clinical practice. A total of 66.8% found research opportunities available during clinical practice. Barriers included time constraints (56%), limited resources (47.2%), and lack of support and skills (33.2% and 32%, respectively). (4) Conclusion: This study emphasises the need for targeted strategies to enhance research engagement among radiographers in the Arab region. Addressing barriers, such as time constraints and resource limitations, while leveraging intrinsic motivators, such as professional development, is crucial for fostering a culture of research-driven excellence in radiography.

The barriers, motives, perceptions, and attitudes toward research among radiology practitioners and interns in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Background

Research and the use of evidence-based practices are imperative to the advancement of diagnostic imaging modalities. The aim of this study was to assess the perceptions and attitudes of radiology practitioners (i.e., Technicians, Technologists or Specialists, and Senior Specialists) and interns in King Abdulaziz Medical Cities (KAMCs), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, toward research, and to explore the various barriers and obstacles that hinder their research efforts.

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive investigation was carried out from December 2022 to March 2023 among 112-KAMCs' radiology practitioners and interns, using previously developed and validated questionnaire comprised of five distinct sections, each serving a specific purpose, and with a non-probability convenient sampling technique. Descriptive statistics were generated for participants' demographics, and chi-square and fisher's exact tests were used to examine the association between participants' demographics and their involvement in research.

Results

Among the 137 KAMCs' radiology practitioners and interns who were invited to participate, 112 responded and completed the questionnaire, resulting in an overall response rate of 81.75%. Radiology practitioners and interns from various medical imaging subspecialties were found to be involved in research to the extent of 83%, with nearly half (40.9%) of them have had publications, and 53.3% of these publications being either cross-sectional studies or retrospective clinical studies. A lack of time (66.1%), a lack of a professional supervisor support program (50.9%), and deficiency in research skills (45.5%) were common obstacles that may impede the participants' ability to conduct research. The most common motives for participants to conduct research were the desire to improve their resumes (69.6%), get accepted into postgraduate radiology programs (58%), and improve their research skills (52.7%).

Conclusion

KAMCs' radiology practitioners and interns have a positive attitude toward performing research. Despite the high percentage (83%) of those involved in research, the number of publications remains low. A crucial step to advancing the profession's evidence base is engaging radiology practitioners and interns in research and encouraging radiology practitioner-led research. The study findings can serve as a valuable basis for designing developmental programs aimed at overcoming research obstacles among healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia.

Knowledge, attitude, understanding and implementation of evidence-based practice among Jordanian radiographers

INTRODUCTION

Evidence-based practice (EBP) has gained attention globally from healthcare professionals and researchers. The aim of this study was to assess Jordanian diagnostic radiographers' knowledge, attitude, education/knowledge, and skills related to EBP; and identify specific terms related to EBP.

METHODS

A paper-based, self-administered questionnaire with two sections was used. The first section included 11 socio-demographic questions and the second section contained 56 questions regarding EBP categorized under seven distinct subscales. The data were imported into SPSS for analysis.

RESULTS

Responses were received from 203 radiographers, most of them 135 (66.5%) aged 21-30 years. The majority of radiographers agreed or strongly agreed that the application of EBP is necessary for radiography practice, and 129 (63.6%) of radiographers learned the foundations of EBP as part of their academic preparation. Less than half of the participants stated that they completely understood the research terminology listed in the survey. Most participants had access to the internet and research databases, 79.3% (n = 161). The majority of participants, 63.1% (n = 128) stated that they always used their personal experience, as a source to make a clinical decision in radiography practice. The most common barrier to the implementation of EBP was insufficient time (63.5%, n = 129).

CONCLUSION

This study showed that despite the positive attitude, and beliefs of radiographers toward EBP, and access to information resources, radiographers still need a higher level of confidence in their ability to engage in and implement EBP; including increased education to support the research skills needs to search and interpret publications.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The findings of this study may help inform restructure of the undergraduate radiography curriculum, training programs or other interventions required to promote or facilitate the adoption of EBP in Jordan.

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.

What motivates radiographers to start working with research?

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to investigate the motivation and barriers of clinical radiographers to work with research in a Danish clinical setting.

METHODS

The project was designed as a mixed method explorative study, including survey and focus group interviews. A paper based survey was distributed to clinical radiographers, with a bachelor's degree (few with a diploma in Radiography), at three departments of radiology. The survey collected data on motivation, challenges, and barriers in relation to research in clinical practice. Thematic analyses were performed according to the nature of the survey and used to categorize statements. The focus group interview included five managing radiographers (3 with a bachelor's degree) who formed part of the clinical management at their respective departments.

RESULTS

The survey resulted in 39 responses with an overall response rate of 56%. The majority of clinical radiographers were female (69%, n = 27) and 12 were male.Most radiographers (77%, n = 30) reported interest in research projects and 89% of them (n = 27) found it difficult to dedicate time to research projects next to the clinical work.

CONCLUSION

The study increases the understanding of the motivation and current barriers to start working with research in clinical settings including dependent and independent projects. Clinical radiographers reported to have interest in research. Improvements should focus on department culture, skills, and management support. Clinical Radiographers can be motivated when the departments offer training and support, the projects are relevant to clinical practice and research working hours are provided.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The study offers an insight into current perspectives and obstacles for clinical radiographers in relation to research. The literature on the perception and interest in research by clinical radiographers and managers is limited and further investigation of the field is warranted.

Facilitators for and barriers to radiography research in public healthcare in Nordic countries

INTRODUCTION

It has been suggested that the future of diagnostic imaging relies on engagement in research and evidence-based practice. This implies a role transition from a clinical radiographer to a clinical radiographer-researcher. Clinical radiographers' stimuli for engaging in research in Nordic countries are unknown. This study aimed to address this gap.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data collection via an online questionnaire on facilitators for and barriers to participation in radiography research was carried out among 507 clinical radiographers in public healthcare in the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.

RESULTS

Support from colleagues (odds ratio [OR] 2.62) and other professionals (OR 2.74), and self-esteem in research skills (OR ≥ 2.21), were facilitators for radiography research. Lack of knowledge and skills to conduct research (OR 2.48) was revealed to hinder radiographers' participation in research. The absence of a radiography research culture in the workplace explained non-participation in research (OR 1.75).

CONCLUSION

This study revealed significant factors for clinical radiographers' participation in research.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

A strategy for establishing a radiography research culture in healthcare is proposed that is novel for the context. Management support for knowledge development and activity leading to inter-professional research projects across knowledge fields, provision of a radiography research lead and acknowledgement of radiography research among colleagues signify the establishment of the culture. These prerequisites might provide a paradigm change towards not only the symbiosis of a clinical radiographer and an autonomous researcher but also a partner who adds radiography research to evidence-based practice in diagnostic imaging.

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

INTRODUCTION

There is growing interest in developing research culture and opportunities for allied health professionals working in medical imaging. However, little attention has been given to identifying the research interest and needs of this group relative to the other allied health professions. We aimed to measure self-reported research participation, interest, experience and confidence of allied health professionals working in medical imaging and compare the findings to clinicians working in allied health therapies.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of allied health professionals from medical imaging (radiographers, sonographers and nuclear medicine technologists) was conducted. The primary outcome, the Research Spider survey, measures 10 domains of research interest/experience/confidence on a 5-point Likert scale. Results were compared to allied health therapy data.

RESULTS

Responses were received by 82 medical imaging allied health professionals (65% response rate). Overall, medical imaging professionals rated themselves as having 'some interest' and 'little experience or confidence' in research. There was no difference in interest, experience and confidence among different imaging professions (interest P = 0.099, experience P = 0.380, confidence P = 0.212) or allied health therapists (interest P = 0.137, experience P = 0.363, confidence P = 0.791). Participants reported greatest interest in finding and reviewing literature and lowest interest in applying for funding.

CONCLUSION

There are strong similarities between medical imaging allied health professionals and allied health therapy professionals. Therefore, strategies used to promote research culture in allied health therapy professions could be leveraged to provide opportunities for medical imaging allied health professionals.

Self-Reported Competence and Impact of Research Training among Medical Radiography Graduates from a Developing Country

INTRODUCTION

Research output from radiographers in developing countries is generally low. This could be attributable to a lack of basic research skills. One way of improving this is research training for undergraduate radiography students. The objective of this study was to assess the self-reported competence of graduate radiographers regarding the research skills obtained during their undergraduate training, as well as the impact of this research training to their work.

METHODS

A cross-sectional descriptive survey was sent to 70 radiography graduates who had received research training. Data from the radiography graduates were collected electronically using self-administered questionnaires. The questionnaire responses were tallied, counted, and analysis was carried out using MS Excel.

RESULTS

The response rate of the radiographers was 71.4%. 70% of the radiographers were males, and 30% were females. 70% of the radiographers reported being competent in identifying a research problem, and 80% rated themselves as competent in formulating a research question. 44% reported being competent in appraising relevant literature, and 64% were able to formulate appropriate conclusions and recommendations from their research work. 76% of the radiographers were involved in some research activities in their places of work, and 50% of them expressed willingness to continue engaging in research activities.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the graduate radiographers who participated in this study reported being competent in research skills attained, with over 50% willing to continue engaging in research activities.

The role and impact of research positions within health care settings in allied health: a systematic review

Background

Embedding dedicated research positions within healthcare settings is a potential strategy to build allied health research capacity, with different health care organisations investing in such positions. The aim of this review was to gather evidence regarding the nature of the role of the research position in allied health professional (AHP) healthcare settings and the impact that these positions have on building research capacity.

Methods

A systematic review was undertaken searching eight databases (Medline CINAHL, Cochrane, OTSeeker, Speechbite, PEDro, Web of Science, and Proquest) using English language restrictions. Both authors independently screened abstracts, reviewed full-text articles, extracted data and performed quality assessments using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Studies were included that reported the evaluation and/or components of the role of a dedicated research position with AHPs in any healthcare setting. A thematic analysis approach was used to synthesise findings.

Results

A total of 360 abstracts were initially screened, with 58 full text articles being reviewed. Eight unique studies were included in the thematic analysis clarifying either the nature of role of the research position (n = 7) or impact of the position (n = 4). Studies included mixed methods (n = 3), descriptive case study (n = 4), and observational (n = 1) designs. The majority of studies reported the research positions to provide academic support to individual clinicians and their teams, while developing their own research projects. Other studies reported support for research capacity building at a service and organisational level. Positive changes from these research positions was reported via increased individual research skills and participation and research outputs, improvements in research culture, attitudes and team and organisational level skills.

Conclusion

Emerging evidence suggests that research positions embedded within healthcare settings can influence individual and team based research skills and research participation of AHPs. Future research is needed to further investigate the sustainability of changes arisen from research positions and what mechanisms of the positions have the greatest impact. Healthcare managers should consider how to support potential components of the research position roles identified in the literature, as well consider evaluating their impact on research capacity, cultural and attitudinal changes of AHP staff in addition to traditional research metrics.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12913-016-1606-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

International collaboration in medical radiation science

INTRODUCTION

International collaboration is recognised for enhancing the ability to approach complex problems from a variety of perspectives, increasing development of a wider range of research skills and techniques and improving publication and acceptance rates. The aim of this paper is to describe the current status of international collaboration in medical radiation science and compare this to other allied health occupations.

METHODS

This study utilised a content analysis approach where co-authorship of a journal article was used as a proxy for research collaboration and the papers were assigned to countries based on the corporate address given in the by-line of the publication. A convenience sample method was employed and articles published in the professional medical radiation science journals in the countries represented within our research team - Australia, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (USA) were sampled. Physiotherapy, speech pathology, occupational therapy and nursing were chosen for comparison.

RESULTS

Rates of international collaboration in medical radiation science journals from Australia, the UK and the USA have steadily increased over the 3-year period sampled. Medical radiation science demonstrated lower average rates of international collaboration than the other allied health occupations sampled. The average rate of international collaboration in nursing was far below that of the allied health occupations sampled. Overall, the UK had the highest average rate of international collaboration, followed by Australia and the USA, the lowest.

CONCLUSION

Overall, medical radiation science is lagging in international collaboration in comparison to other allied health fields.

Radiographers' perceptions of their professional rights in diagnostic radiography: a qualitative interview study

BACKGROUND

Considering the ethics of each profession is important as inter-professional collaboration increases. Professional ethics creates a basis for radiographers' work, as it includes values and principles, together with rights and duties that guide and support professionals. However, little is known about radiographers' rights when it comes to professional ethics.

THE AIM

The aim of this study was to describe radiographers' perceptions and experiences of their professional rights. The ultimate aim was to increase the understanding of professional ethics in this context and support radiographers' ethical pondering in diagnostic radiography.

METHODOLOGY

A qualitative method was used. Semistructured group interviews with 15 radiographers were conducted in spring 2013 at two publicly provided diagnostic imaging departments in Finland. Data were analysed by inductive content analysis. All the participants were women, and they had worked as radiographers for an average of 18 years.

FINDINGS

Based on our analysis, radiographers' professional rights consisted of rights related to their expertise in radiography and the rights related to working conditions that ensured their wellbeing. Expertise-based rights included rights to plan, conduct and assess radiological care with patient advocacy. Radiographers have the right to contribute to a culture of safe radiation in their organisation and to use their professional knowledge to achieve their main target, which is the safe imaging of patients. Radiographers also have right to work in conditions that support their well-being, including the legal rights stated in their employment contract, as well as their rights concerning resources at work.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiographers' professional rights are an elementary and multidimensional part of their clinical practice. In future, more theoretical and empirical research is needed to deepen the understanding of their rights in the clinical practice and support radiographers on issues related to this aspect of their work.