Attitude Towards Research Evidence Utilization in Radiography Practice

Abstract

The advent of technological innovations into medical imaging has undoubtedly revolutionized the approach to patient care in radiological settings. Consequently, clinical imaging professionals must always strive to keep abreast with research evidence in order to keep approach to patient care relevant, current, result-oriented, appropriate and cost-effective. However, there is little information on how research evidence utilization (REU) is perceived and practiced by radiographers in Nigeria. As a result, this study aimed to gain a better understanding of the attitude and perceptions of radiographers to the use of research evidence in practice. A total of 40 licensed and practicing radiographers in both public and private hospitals in South-east Nigeria were surveyed using well-structured questionnaires. Data collected were statistically analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (SPSS v. 17). The results of the evaluation of knowledge, interest and perception of respondents about research utilization shows that many respondents (75%) agree that radiographers should be involved in health research and that research utilization will improve patient outcomes (68%). Many (72%) disagree that radiographers don’t engage in research activities but few of the respondents (32%) admit that radiographers utilize research evidence in practice. Majority of the respondents (74%) don’t perceive lack of interest as a barrier to REU in radiography practice. Further results show that radiographers do not utilize research evidence due to poor knowledge of what constitutes quality evidence (68%), don’t know how to implement it (72%) or limited by institutional/organizational factors (75%). However, most radiographers (78%) agree that addressing the issues raised in this research evaluation will encourage REU in radiography practice. These findings from this study suggest that the majority of radiographers hold favorable attitude and beliefs toward research utilization but exhibit poor implementation of research evidence in practice due to peculiar barriers. It is believed that addressing these challenges will ensure the effective REU in radiography practice. Radiographers are also encouraged to consider new resources aimed at facilitating best practice and guidelines. Policies, tailored to increase adherence to best imaging practice and ensure improved patient outcomes, should also be formulated at local, state and federal government levels.