Radiographer research engagement: An international mixed methods study

The development of skilled and motivated research-active radiographers is a means to improve patient care and service delivery. For this to be realised, embedding a culture of enquiry, critical thinking, and research-based activities by radiographers is essential. This study aimed to provide an analysis of the Radiography research culture internationally and identify the current barriers, facilitators and potential future solutions to promote radiography research career pathways.

A sequential mixed methods design was utilised with participants from across the international radiography workforce. Data collection occurred during two phases. Phase 1 - Quantitative cross-sectional survey (n=182) and Phase 2 - Semi-structured interviews (n=14). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse quantitative data while qualitative data were analysed using reflective thematic analysis approach.

Strong barriers to research participation included lack of protected time, funding, and management support, while key enablers were job satisfaction, a solvable problem, departmental research activity, and mentorship. Seven themes were created from the qualitative data: 1) Developing research skills; 2) Evolution of the role, a different path; 3) From participating to leading, a research journey; 4) Money talks; 5) Outputs vs effort; 6) Research interest and professional engagement; 7) Clinical vs academic roles.

The international radiographer community desires research career pathways and opportunities to contribute to research, however significant cultural and organisational factors continue to limit research involvement. Research careers are often self-directed with limited guidance or support. International radiographer research networks may also enable research career trajectories.

Radiographer engagement in research is difficult to realise internationally. Organisational and cultural investment is essential to enable radiographer research. Support and mentorship are essential to research growth.