Research culture, barriers and facilitators within the radiography workforce in the UK - results of a national survey.

Knight, K J; Beasley, M; McConnell, J; O'Regan, T; Alexander, C M; Donovan, T; Probs, H; Reeve, R; Sharma, M; Knapp, K M; McNair, H A

Abstract

Introduction: Research is vital for diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers, providing the evidence base
for disease diagnosis, screening, surveillance, radiotherapy planning, delivery, and treatment. Despite its
benefits in improving patient outcomes and imaging services, little is known about the research culture
barriers and facilitators within the UK radiography workforce.
Methods: An online survey with three sections was created, including demographic questions and a
validated research and development culture index to measure research capacity, equality, diversity, and
inclusivity. The survey was distributed between May and October 2023 to radiographers and nuclear
medicine technologists via email and social media. Mixed methods analysis was performed using statistical
analysis (R version 4.2.2) and qualitative analysis utilising a coding framework for open-ended responses.
Results: A total of 970 completed surveys were returned: 629 diagnostic radiographers, 306 therapeutic
radiographers and 35 nuclear medicine technologists (~3 % of the UK workforce). Of respondents, 47.4 %
had completed or were undertaking a postgraduate qualification and 41.1 % had engaged in research. The
barriers to research yielded similar trends over all the radiographers. ‘Lack of protected time at work’, ‘other
roles taking priority’ and ‘lack of funding’ being key barriers. The only enablers that scored less than 90 %
agreement were ‘research encouraged by manager’, ‘experienced external colleagues able to supervise’, and
the ‘desire to prove a theory or hunch’ and ‘research written into the role description’.
Conclusion: Research remains underdeveloped in UK radiography roles. This national survey highlights
that currently less than half of the UK radiographers have experience in research within their role.
Protected time, funding, managerial support, and supervision access are crucial to embedding research
into practice.
Implications for practice: Greater support is needed for radiographers and managers to overcome barriers
and promote radiographer-led research.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 7, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Apr 25, 2025
• Publication Date: 2025-07
• Deposit Date: Jun 13, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 13, 2025
• Print ISSN: 1078-8174
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 31
• Issue: 4
• Article Number: 102959
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2025.102959
• Keywords: Research, Survey, Radiography, National