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Paterson A, Devlin L, Mitchell J, Ogg J, Farnan K, Coupland S, Duffton A. Survey of research attitudes of RTTs working in Scotland: A Scottish radiographer research forum collaboration. Tech Innov Patient Support Radiat Oncol 2024; 30:100248. [PMID: 38707714 PMCID: PMC11067355 DOI: 10.1016/j.tipsro.2024.100248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Paterson
- Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 0YN, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Lynsey Devlin
- Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 0YN, Scotland, United Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences and University of Glasgow, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1BD, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Joanne Mitchell
- Edinburgh Cancer Centre, Fettes College, 2 Carrington Road, Edinburgh EH4 1QJ, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline Ogg
- Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZN, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Kirsty Farnan
- Ninewells Radiotherapy Department, James Arrott Drive, Dundee DD2 1UB, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Suzanne Coupland
- Raigmore Hospital Inverness, Old Perth Road, Inverness IV2 3UJ, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Aileen Duffton
- Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 0YN, Scotland, United Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences and University of Glasgow, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1BD, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Al Balushi H, Watts H, Akudjedu TN. Research and evidence-based practice in clinical radiography: A systematic review of barriers and recommendations for a new direction. Radiography (Lond) 2024; 30:538-559. [PMID: 38290178 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2024.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Al Balushi
- Institute of Medical Imaging & Visualisation, Department of Medical Science & Public Health, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, UK; Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, Ministry of Health, Sultanate of Oman
| | - H Watts
- Radiology, James Cook University Hospital, South Tees NHS Trust, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW, UK; Teesside University, School of Health & Life Sciences, Centuria Building, Tees Valley, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BX, UK
| | - T N Akudjedu
- Institute of Medical Imaging & Visualisation, Department of Medical Science & Public Health, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, UK.
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Zorz A, Calderoni F, Castriconi R, di Franco F, Felisi M, Gallo P, Itta F, Longo M, Manco L, Milazzo O, Savini A, Cavedon C, Maffei N. The Italian young medical physicist scenario: Results from the young AIFM group survey. Phys Med 2023; 112:102633. [PMID: 37423002 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2023.102633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The young working group of the Italian Association of Medical and Health Physics (AIFM) designed a survey to assess the current situation of the under 35 AIFM members. METHODS An online survey including 65 questions was designed to gather personal information, educational issues, working and research experience, and to evaluate the AIFM activities. The survey was distributed to the under 35 members between November 2022 and February 2023, through the young AIFM mailing list and social media. RESULTS 160 answers from 230 affiliates (70%, 31 years median age) were obtained. The results highlighted that 87% of the respondents had a fixed term/permanent employment, mainly in public hospitals (58%). Regarding Medical Physicists (MPs) training, 54% of the students left their region of origin due to the training plan (40%) and the availability of scholarships (25%) in the chosen university. Most of the respondents have no Radiation Protection Expert title, while the remaining 20%, 6%, and 3% are qualified to the first, second, and third level, respectively. Several young MPs (62.2%) were involved in research activities; however, only 28% had teaching experience, mainly within their workplace (20%, safety courses), during AIFM courses (4%), or university lectures (3%). CONCLUSIONS This survey reported the current situation of the under 35 AIFM members, highlighting the "brain drain" phenomenon from the south to the north of Italy, mainly due to the lack of post-graduate schools, scholarships, and job opportunities. The obtained results will help the future working program of the AIFM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Zorz
- Medical Physics Department, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Castriconi
- Medical Physics Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca di Franco
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble INP, Institute of Engineering Univ. Grenoble Alpes, LPSC-IN2P3, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Marco Felisi
- Medical Physics Department, ASST GOM Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Itta
- Medical Physics Department, S.G. Moscati Hospital, Taranto, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Manco
- Medical Physics Unit, Azienda USL of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Olga Milazzo
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Cavedon
- Medical Physics Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, Italy
| | - Nicola Maffei
- Medical Physics Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Italy.
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Castriconi R, Placidi L, Avanzo M, Cirio R, Gallo P, Mazzilli A, Milano A, Rancati T, Russo P, Garibaldi C. Survey on the interest and commitment of AIFM members to scientific activities (SicAS) - The initiative of the FutuRuS working group. Phys Med 2023; 110:102589. [PMID: 37254301 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2023.102589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The "FutuRuS" working group of the Italian Association of Medical Physics and Health Physics (AIFM) designed a survey (SicAS) to get feedback from its members regarding their interests and their experience in taking part in scientific activities and events, with the objective of focusing future efforts of the AIFM towards increasing the scientific activity of the medical physics expert (MPE). METHODS SicAS was sent out in March 2022 to all AIFM members by newsletter and official communication. SicAS was structured into three sections: personal information and institution of affiliation information, involvement in scientific activities, interest in and commitment to scientific activities. Responses were collected in a fully anonymised mode from the Google Forms platform and analysed with descriptive statistics. RESULTS Out of 1289 members (active at the end of 2021), 467 responded to the Survey (response rate of 36%). The Survey results highlighted that AIFM members ranked the involvement of the MPE in scientific activities as highly relevant to the profession. However, 34.7% indicated devoting less than 10% of their working time to scientific activities. 67.5% of the respondents were dissatisfied with the time spent on scientific activities. The primary barrier was the lack of time (77%), followed by a lack of mentoring (32%). CONCLUSIONS SicAS highlighted the need for AIFM initiatives to support members' scientific activities. National societies should help develop and support networks between members, create links among universities, hospitals, research institutions and industries, and provide guidelines and learning platforms for enhancing the MPEs' involvement in scientific activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Castriconi
- Medical Physics Dept, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - L Placidi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - M Avanzo
- Department of Medical Physics, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano, PN, Italy
| | - R Cirio
- Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino 10125, Italy; INFN - National Institute for Nuclear Physics, Torino, Italy
| | - P Gallo
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Medical Physics Unit, via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
| | - A Mazzilli
- Medical Physics Dept, University Hospital of Parma AOUP, Parma, Italy
| | - A Milano
- Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - T Rancati
- Data Science Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - P Russo
- Università di Napoli Federico II, Dipartimento di Fisica "Ettore Pancini", Napoli, Italy; INFN - National Institute for Nuclear Physics, Napoli, Italy
| | - C Garibaldi
- Unit of Radiation Research, IEO European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milano, Italy
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