Radiographer research engagement: An international mixed methods study.

Area of Science:

• Radiography
• Medical Imaging Research
• Healthcare Professions

Background:

• Developing research-active radiographers is crucial for enhancing patient care and service delivery.
• Fostering a culture of inquiry and critical thinking among radiographers is essential for research engagement.
• International radiography research culture requires analysis to identify barriers and facilitators for career pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the international radiography research culture.
• To identify barriers and facilitators impacting radiographer research involvement.
• To explore potential solutions for promoting radiography research career pathways.

Main Methods:

• A sequential mixed-methods design was employed.
• Quantitative data collected via a cross-sectional survey (n=182).
• Qualitative data gathered through semi-structured interviews (n=14) and analyzed thematically.

Main Results:

• Key barriers include lack of protected time, funding, and management support.
• Job satisfaction, solvable problems, departmental research, and mentorship act as significant enablers.
• Qualitative themes highlight the need for skill development, role evolution, and overcoming effort-output discrepancies.

Conclusions:

• The global radiographer community seeks research opportunities, but faces significant organizational and cultural limitations.
• Research careers in radiography are often self-directed, lacking adequate guidance and support.
• Establishing international radiographer research networks can foster career progression and research engagement.