Abstract
IntroductionIt 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. MethodsCross-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. ResultsSupport 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). ConclusionThis study revealed significant factors for clinical radiographers’ participation in research. Implications for practiceA 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.
Highlights
It has been suggested that the future of diagnostic imaging relies on engagement in research and evidence-based practice
Another reason is the rapid and continuous technical development in diagnostic imaging, for example, advances in digital imaging and patient administration systems, the introduction of hybrid imaging and, recently, the advent of artificial intelligence.18e21 These advances, together with the fact that radiographers are the link between the technology and the patient, claim that clinical radiographers should engage in the progression of radiography research
It has been proposed that engaging in research requires an attitude and behaviour change.29e31 this paper focuses on clinical radiographers' perceptions of facilitators for and barriers to participation in research in public healthcare, and it is the second part of the survey to be published
Summary
It has been suggested that the future of diagnostic imaging relies on engagement in research and evidence-based practice. 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 the symbiosis of a clinical radiographer and an autonomous researcher and a partner who adds radiography research to evidence-based practice in diagnostic imaging. This implies a role transition from a clinical radiographer to being a researcher as well
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