The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the UK government’s major funder of clinical and social care research, is asking radiographers to contribute their answers to a new survey.
Radiographers are being asked to share information on their research experience, and to send on the questionnaire within departments and networks in order to capture a representative sample of qualified radiographers.
Encouraging radiography research
The survey is being conducted in order to understand the current research culture in the UK radiography workplace, to identify potential barriers to research in the workplace, and to discover what should be done to stimulate, inspire, and guide radiographers to both engage in and lead research.
This survey will aid in the development work of an NIHR 'incubator' for diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers.
With support from the College of Radiographers, the incubator will aid in research careers in radiography. Work is expected to commence in January 2024.
The survey will ask for some details on your professional role, place of work and research experience.
It will then focus on three sections:
- Research culture and development
- Barriers and facilitators to research
- Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) demographics
The final section will help in understanding representation across all characteristics to identify experiences, barriers or facilitators experienced by specific groups.
The survey will close on 30 November, and should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete.
Supporting radiography careers
NIHR Incubators are an initiative designed to address areas where additional research capaity is needed, encouraging early career interest in specific disciplines through virtual networking, training, and support.
The NIHR awarded funding to Imperial College AHSC for three years in June, for the establishment of the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiographers Incubator, which will be led by Professor Helen McNair.
Professor McNair said: “Therapeutic and diagnostic radiographers have the skills and knowledge to deliver high quality research to improve outcomes, patient experience and the delivery of care. However, there is a low take-up of radiographers across the NHS doing research.
“There is a clear need to address the barriers that prevent radiographers from engaging and leading research as well as provide a comprehensive programme of support, I am pleased that we have been awarded NIHR Incubator funding as it provides an exciting opportunity for us to support and build research capacity in radiography on a national level.”
You can take part in the survey here.