Pan-Canadian Survey of Medical Radiation Technologist's Views Toward Evidence-Based Practice, Research, Barriers, and...

To examine the attitudes, perceptions, enablers/barriers, and level of uptake of evidence-based practice (EBP) and research within the medical radiological technologist (MRT) community in Canada.

Using the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists' e-mail distribution list, all members were sent an invitation and link to an online electronic survey. The survey included demographics and questions asking participants about their perceptions of EBP, research, and barriers. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and partial proportional odds models.

Four hundred and forty-four completed surveys were available for analysis. Respondents showed good distribution among professions and geographical location. Eighty-four percent of respondents indicated having a good grasp of the concept of EBP. A majority of the respondents (>70%) in all the professions strongly agreed/agreed that all MRTs should practice in an evidence-based manner. Eighty percent of respondents strongly agreed/agreed that there is a link between EBP and research. There was a statistically significant association between the current level of knowledge to develop a research project and level of academic research education received, research culture in the department, and the presence of barriers. Partial proportional odds model indicates participants were more likely to have a good grasp of EBP and have strongly agreed/agreed that they should practice in an evidence-based manner if they were a radiation therapist, have medium-high current levels of research knowledge, or were a permanent full-time employee. In addition, radiation therapists were at least 4 times more likely to participate in research as a primary or coinvestigator, compared to other MRT professions. Most frequently identified extrinsic barriers to EBP/research included lack of time, heavy workload, lack of leadership support, and workplace attitudes/culture. Extrinsic success factors included access to a mentor, dedicated time, collaboration, and support from management and peers. Intrinsic success factors were as follows: self-motivation, sense of inquiry/curiosity, and satisfaction with creating patient or workplace change based on research.

This pan-Canadian, interprofessional survey highlights the current landscape with respect to perceptions and uptake of EBP and research among MRTs. Results of this study may offer MRTs, employers, educational facilities, and professional bodies insight into strategies that can be undertaken to improve MRT research participation across professions.