Promotion of research culture among radiographers in one UK NHS trust through journal club activities – An autoethnographic study

Abstract

IntroductionThe poor research culture within the radiography profession can be addressed through initiatives such journal club activities. The role of a research radiographer is best suited to drive achievement of journal club outcomes for research culture improvement; however, the cultural environment of healthcare providers presents challenges. This is an autoethnographic account of a research radiographer in promoting research culture among diagnostic radiographers in a single UK NHS trust through journal club activities. MethodsThe study adopts an analytical autoethnography methodology to critically analyse reflective accounts of the research radiographer's experiences and the interplay with the cultural environment in which the experiences occurred. The reflective accounts are supported by locally collected data during a 10-month period of the journal club and published literature. ResultsThe establishment of the journal club received encouraging support from the senior management, university academics, library services and radiography professionals. There are initial signs of research culture improvement among participants of the journal club as observed through engagement in research related activities. However, cultural challenges including lack of time to explore gaps in research evidence, and prioritisation of clinical duties over research related activities, may have affected the achievement of expected outcomes of the club. ConclusionThe research radiographer is well placed to encourage research culture within the clinical imaging department through targeted initiatives such as journal clubs. The long-term contributions of such initiative to departmental efficiency and quality service delivery should encourage optimum support to actualize expected outcomes. Implications for practiceEncouragement of journal clubs as a means of improving research culture within clinical radiography teams, driven by research radiographers. Encouragement of management support for the achievement of set outcomes of journal clubs.