Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2026
Irradiator Commissioning and Dosimetry for Assessment of LQ α and β Parameters, Radiation Dosing Schema, and in vivo Dose Deposition
Published on: March 11, 2021
Radiographer (therapeutic) academic development and infrastructure for clinical advancement and learning (RADICAL): A
C Marr1, A Duffton2, R Simoes3
1Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Canada; Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Canada.
Introduction:
Clinical academic roles enable therapeutic radiographers (TRs) to integrate research and clinical practice, yet career development pathways remain poorly defined. Individual studies have examined research engagement among TRs, but a synthesis mapping the barriers and facilitators to pursuing a clinical academic career is lacking. This scoping review aimed to map the barriers and facilitators influencing TRs pursuing a clinical academic position.
Methods:
A scoping review was conducted using Arksey and O'Malley's framework with reporting guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The protocol was registered on Open Science Framework. Searches were conducted in CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and MEDLINE and limited to English-language from 2004 to 2025. Two independent reviewers screened articles. Data were synthesised descriptively using narrative summaries and evidence mapping to group recurring concepts and barriers/facilitators to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF).
Results:
Twelve studies published between 2007 and 2024 across multiple countries were included. Five pathway themes were identified: professional support, organisational infrastructure, research culture, educational opportunities, and career progression. Barriers and facilitators were mapped to 11 of 14 TDF domains. Common barriers included a lack of protected research time, limited funding, workforce shortages, and unclear career pathways. Mentorship, postgraduate education, and organisational support were the most consistently reported facilitators. Equity, diversity, and inclusion emerged as a recurring theme.
Conclusion:
TR clinical academic career development remains underexplored. Based on this review's findings, support for TRs should aim to include protected time, funding, mentorship, access to education, organisational research support, and equity-focused initiatives.
Implications For Practice:
This review highlighted the need for radiotherapy departments to prioritise coordinated strategies to support sustained TR clinical academic progression.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT
01:24X-ray Imaging
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
01:13Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
01:20Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
01:18Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-II
Physical Therapist
A physical therapist (PT) aims to restore function or prevent additional impairment in a patient following an injury or disease. Massage, heat, cold, water, sonar waves, exercises, and electrical stimulation are some treatments used by PTs to treat...