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Abstract

Introduction It has been suggested that the future of diagnostic imaging relies on engagement in research and evidence-based practice. This implies a role transition from a clinical radiographer to a clinical radiographer-researcher. Clinical radiographers’ stimuli for engaging in research in Nordic countries are unknown. This study aimed to address this gap.

Methods
Cross-sectional data collection via an online questionnaire on facilitators for and barriers to participation in radiography research was carried out among 507 clinical radiographers in public healthcare in the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.

Results
Support from colleagues (odds ratio [OR] 2.62) and other professionals (OR 2.74), and self-esteem in research skills (OR ≥ ۲٫۲۱), were facilitators for radiography research. Lack of knowledge and skills to conduct research (OR 2.48) was revealed to hinder radiographers’ participation in research. The absence of a radiography research culture in the workplace explained non-participation in research (OR 1.75).

Introduction 

It has been suggested that the future of diagnostic imaging relies on engagement in research and evidence-based practice (EBP).1e4 While radiologists and physicists have a long tradition of conducting research in medicine and radiation physics, radiographers are still in the initial stages of radiography research, but academic development of radiographers is ongoing while they usually perform research studies alongside university teaching.5e7 Radiography research has been found to address, for example, radiographic technology and patient well-being and care.8,9 There are several reasons to investigate clinical radiographers’ stimuli for engaging in radiography research. One is radiographers’ responsibility for and expertise in patient care in diagnostic imaging.