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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. 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. 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). 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. 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. 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. Support from colleagues (odds ratio [OR] 2.62) and other professionals (OR 2.74), and self-esteem in research skills (OR ≥ 2.21), 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). This study revealed significant factors for clinical radiographers' participation in research. A strategy for establishing a radiography research culture in healthcare is proposed that is novel for the context. Management support for knowledge development and activity leading to inter-professional research projects across knowledge fields, provision of a radiography research lead and acknowledgement of radiography research among colleagues signify the establishment of the culture. These prerequisites might provide a paradigm change towards not only the symbiosis of a clinical radiographer and an autonomous researcher but also a partner who adds radiography research to evidence-based practice in diagnostic imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiographers' engagement in research is important for the development of evidence-based practice in radiography; however, radiographers' interest in research has rarely been reported. This study sought to ascertain radiographers' opinions about radiography research and investigate their involvement in research activities in four Nordic countries. This study was conducted in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. A study-specific questionnaire was developed in English and adapted to each language of the study sample, and the content and face validity of the adaptations were evaluated. An online tool was used to collect the study data. The questionnaire link was distributed in September 2019 to radiographers working in clinical settings in four Nordic countries (n = 4572). The overall response rate was 14% (n = 662/4572). Research involvement was reported by 33% of the respondents; data collection was the main type of contribution. Radiographers who contributed to research were more likely to be male, have longer work experience, hold a master's or doctoral degree, work as managers and be employed in university hospitals. Nearly all agreed that radiography research is needed to promote the radiography profession and provide the evidence base for radiographic practice. However, only 14% were aware of the current research evidence regarding their professional field of specialisation, and 19% indicated that they developed current practices based on research evidence. The findings indicate that, although radiographers had positive attitudes towards radiography research, their involvement in research and utilisation of research evidence in practice is low. Strategies should be developed to improve knowledge and skills related to evidence-based practice and stimulate radiographers' engagement in research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]