Anetta Bolejko
Associate professor, Principal investigator
Factors of importance for the development of evidence-based practice amongst radiographers in public healthcare
Author
Summary, in English
Introduction
Research evidence suggests that radiographers often rely on previous training, traditional practices, work experience and protocols developed within the department rather than up-to-date research-based evidence in their daily practice. The aim of the study was to investigate factors that might impact the development of evidence-based practice amongst radiographers in clinical public settings in the Nordic countries.
Methods
An online survey was performed amongst 640 radiographers in four Nordic countries. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to investigate the odds ratio (OR) of facilitators for and barriers to radiographers' development of evidence-based practice.
Results
A reflective approach in everyday practice and being aware of the current research evidence were significant facilitators for radiographers' development of evidence-based practice (OR ≥ 3.10, p < 0.001). Discussing research with colleagues and managers was associated with engagement in the utilisation of evidence (OR 7.21, p < 0.001). Difficulties in evaluating research evidence represented the only significant barrier (OR 1.84, p 0.009).
Conclusion
A critical approach amongst radiographers in their performance of healthcare in diagnostic imaging, and the development of their academic skills to improve awareness of the available research evidence are important factors for developing evidence-based practice in radiography. Leadership is crucial for the engagement of radiographers in the development of evidence-based practice. Management should facilitate the development of a learning culture within diagnostic imaging.
Implications for practice
The results provide suggestions for the development of a learning culture, proactive and person-centred leadership, and strategic management for the provision of research infrastructure, all of which contribute to the further integration of evidence-based practice in radiography. Also, the study results suggest the importance of shared responsibility for creating a critical fellowship in diagnostic imaging.
Research evidence suggests that radiographers often rely on previous training, traditional practices, work experience and protocols developed within the department rather than up-to-date research-based evidence in their daily practice. The aim of the study was to investigate factors that might impact the development of evidence-based practice amongst radiographers in clinical public settings in the Nordic countries.
Methods
An online survey was performed amongst 640 radiographers in four Nordic countries. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to investigate the odds ratio (OR) of facilitators for and barriers to radiographers' development of evidence-based practice.
Results
A reflective approach in everyday practice and being aware of the current research evidence were significant facilitators for radiographers' development of evidence-based practice (OR ≥ 3.10, p < 0.001). Discussing research with colleagues and managers was associated with engagement in the utilisation of evidence (OR 7.21, p < 0.001). Difficulties in evaluating research evidence represented the only significant barrier (OR 1.84, p 0.009).
Conclusion
A critical approach amongst radiographers in their performance of healthcare in diagnostic imaging, and the development of their academic skills to improve awareness of the available research evidence are important factors for developing evidence-based practice in radiography. Leadership is crucial for the engagement of radiographers in the development of evidence-based practice. Management should facilitate the development of a learning culture within diagnostic imaging.
Implications for practice
The results provide suggestions for the development of a learning culture, proactive and person-centred leadership, and strategic management for the provision of research infrastructure, all of which contribute to the further integration of evidence-based practice in radiography. Also, the study results suggest the importance of shared responsibility for creating a critical fellowship in diagnostic imaging.
Department/s
- LUCC: Lund University Cancer Centre
- Radiology Diagnostics, Malmö
- Integrative Health Research
Publishing year
2025-01-01
Language
English
Pages
1-5
Publication/Series
Radiography
Volume
31
Issue
1
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
W.B. Saunders
Topic
- Health Care Service and Management, Health Policy and Services and Health Economy
Status
Published
Research group
- Radiology Diagnostics, Malmö
- Integrative Health Research
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 1078-8174