Abstract
IntroductionRadiographers' engagement in research is important for the development of evidence-based practice in radiography; however, radiographers' interest in research has rarely been reported. This study sought to ascertain radiographers' opinions about radiography research and investigate their involvement in research activities in four Nordic countries. MethodsThis study was conducted in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. A study-specific questionnaire was developed in English and adapted to each language of the study sample, and the content and face validity of the adaptations were evaluated. An online tool was used to collect the study data. The questionnaire link was distributed in September 2019 to radiographers working in clinical settings in four Nordic countries (n = 4572). ResultsThe overall response rate was 14% (n = 662/4572). Research involvement was reported by 33% of the respondents; data collection was the main type of contribution. Radiographers who contributed to research were more likely to be male, have longer work experience, hold a master's or doctoral degree, work as managers and be employed in university hospitals. Nearly all agreed that radiography research is needed to promote the radiography profession and provide the evidence base for radiographic practice. However, only 14% were aware of the current research evidence regarding their professional field of specialisation, and 19% indicated that they developed current practices based on research evidence. ConclusionThe findings indicate that, although radiographers had positive attitudes towards radiography research, their involvement in research and utilisation of research evidence in practice is low. Implications for practiceStrategies should be developed to improve knowledge and skills related to evidence-based practice and stimulate radiographers' engagement in research.
Highlights
Radiographers' engagement in research is important for the development of evidencebased practice in radiography; radiographers' interest in research has rarely been reported
640 responses were analysed to assess radiographers' opinions on radiography research and involvement in research activities; responses received from other than radiographers working in clinical settings (n 1⁄4 15) and with missing values in open-ended questions were excluded (n 1⁄4 7)
Contribution to research was more common amongst males than females (50% vs 28%; X2(1) 1⁄4 22.255, p < 0.001) and more common amongst managers than those working in radiographer or other positions (54% vs 29% vs 44%; X2(2) 1⁄4 17.163, p < 0.001)
Summary
Radiographers' engagement in research is important for the development of evidencebased practice in radiography; radiographers' interest in research has rarely been reported. Utilisation of research evidence have become more positive,[3,4,7,10] and publication activity in the radiography field has increased over the past decade,[11] EBP within radiography is still not well established.2e4 radiographers' reported involvement in research remains low,[3,4,7,10] and those who participated mainly gained research experience during their studies.[3,4,7]. EBP development in radiography is a process that necessitates changes in attitudes and behaviour and the establishment of a research culture.[5,10,11] Engaging radiographers in research may influence their perceptions of the value of research evidence and help them embrace EBP within their professional domain.[2,18,19] Radiographers' attitudes and behaviour in the context of research in the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden) is unknown due to limited number of empirical studies. The results from the overall research project are intended to contribute to the development of a multinational strategy for radiography research and the establishment of EBP in radiography
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