Survey of research attitudes of RTTs working in Scotland: A Scottish radiographer research forum collaboration

Alice Paterson; Lynsey Devlin; Joanne Mitchell; Jacqueline Ogg; Kirsty Farnan; Suzanne Coupland; Aileen Duffton

doi:10.1016/j.tipsro.2024.100248

Survey of research attitudes of RTTs working in Scotland: A Scottish radiographer research forum collaboration

Tech Innov Patient Support Radiat Oncol. 2024 Apr 12:30:100248. doi: 10.1016/j.tipsro.2024.100248. eCollection 2024 Jun.

Authors

Alice Paterson¹, Lynsey Devlin^{1

2}, Joanne Mitchell³, Jacqueline Ogg⁴, Kirsty Farnan⁵, Suzanne Coupland⁶, Aileen Duffton^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 0YN, Scotland, United Kingdom.
² Institute of Cancer Sciences and University of Glasgow, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1BD, Scotland, United Kingdom.
³ Edinburgh Cancer Centre, Fettes College, 2 Carrington Road, Edinburgh EH4 1QJ, Scotland, United Kingdom.
⁴ Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZN, Scotland, United Kingdom.
⁵ Ninewells Radiotherapy Department, James Arrott Drive, Dundee DD2 1UB, Scotland, United Kingdom.
⁶ Raigmore Hospital Inverness, Old Perth Road, Inverness IV2 3UJ, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Abstract

Purpose: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is associated with improved treatment outcomes and survival in cancer patients. Engagement from therapeutic radiographers/radiation therapists (RTTs) in research, has been identified as a challenge. The aim of this survey was to gain an understanding of RTT attitudes to research in Scotland.

Methods: This was a prospective study that used a mixed method cross-sectional survey, with an online survey tool (Webropol). The survey was developed with collaborators from all Scottish Radiotherapy Centres (n = 5) and piloted by 6 conveniently sampled RTT and validated by 8 experienced RTTs. The survey comprised 29 items, 7 selection-based demographic questions, and 18 statements with a Likert 5-point metric scale rating (1 = strongly disagree, 2 = disagree, 3 = neutral, 4 = agree, 5 = strongly agree). The validity was measured with the content validity index (CVI) and item-CVI by 8 experienced RTTs. Low scoring I-CVI (<0.78) questions were removed.A total of 314 RTTs working in Scottish Radiotherapy Centres were invited to participate. Approvals were given by each Head of department (HoD), who also confirmed number of RTTs.

Results: A total of 102/314 (32.5 %) RTTs responded. The majority of RTTs agreed they were confident they had sufficient research skills to inform EBP (n = 58/102, 56.9 %), felt confident discussing EBP with colleagues (n = 67, 65.7 %) and felt research was important for role development (n = 89, 87.2 %). Low mean scores and standard deviation (SD) were observed for the following: "I know how to get involved in research" 3.2 (1.2), "I have been given the opportunity to get involved in research" 3.2 (1.1), and "I am well informed about current research projects in my department" 3.2 (1.1). 57.8 % (n = 59) of RTTs disagreed they were confident adequate time would be provided to be involved in research.

Conclusion: The survey results demonstrated a predominantly positive attitude to research amongst RTTs working in Scottish centres, with most common perceived barriers being access to protected time and staff; training, and support.

Keywords: Attitudes; Barriers; Evidence-based practice; Radiation therapists; Research; Therapeutic radiographers.