Research practitioner in radiography: an innovative role
S Mathers*+, G McKenzie*, R Chesson+
*NHS Grampian +The Health Services Research GroupAberdeen, Scotland, UK.
Why carry out research?
• Fundamental for development of radiography as a profession
• Research is essential to underpin the expanding role of radiographer
• Raise awareness of evidence based radiographic practice
Barriers to research
• Dominance of radiologists
• Lack of time
• Lack of money and resources
• Lack of knowledge of research methodology
• Lack of persons to give encouragement
Research practitioner in radiography
• employed by NHS Grampian
• based in the Health Services Research Group, The Robert Gordon University
– awarded a research fellowship through a University Research Development Initiative
– Advanced Practitioner radiographer/ research fellow with the Robert Gordon University
• 4 weeks research/ 1 week clinical
Research activity
• role development for radiographers
• patient knowledge of imaging procedures
• patient information
• informed consent
• patient outcomes
Resulting in
• 6 publications
• 11 oral presentations– UK 3 – International 8
• 12 poster presentations– UK 4– International 8
Awards
• 1998 College of Radiographers EZ-EM Travel Bursary– Best published clinical paper on contrast media procedure
• 1998, 2002 Royal College of Radiologists X-Appeal Pump Priming Award
• 2001, BMA Medical Book Competition – Patient information award
• 2003 – CoR (UK) Travel Award – BMA Conference in Bergen, Norway
Impact on practice
• locally 75% of BE are now performed by radiographers
• revision of all radiology information material throughout local region
• involving patients, listening to their experiences
Training
Diagnostic and therapy radiographers
- Secondments
- Workshops
- Courses
- Support and advise
Conclusion
• dedicated time for research
• raising awareness of radiographer led research
• providing support and encouragement