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