Assessment Of Knowledge, Attitude And Perception Of Radiographers Towards Research (a Case Study Of Radiographers In Fct Abuja And Enugu Metropolis

The study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude and perception of radiographers towards research. Data was collected from radiographers between the months of March and June 2012 at 10 different hospitals within the FCT Abuja and 4 institutions in Enugu Metropolis including university of Nigeria Enugu campus. Subjects voluntarily completed a structured questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, radiographer’s knowledge of research, interest in research and factors influencing their participation in research. Out of the 102 participant, 88% (n=89) had general interest in research. Most radiographers 82% (n=84) appeared to have a good knowledge of research. Resources were found to be the most limiting factor to radiographer’s participation in research. A significant difference was found between radiographer’s professional levels and factors limiting their participation in research. The results of the indicated that majority of radiographers have a positive attitude and good perception of research.  availability of funds and motivation will aid to increase research productivity.

Table 1; Age distribution of the respondents

Table 2; Qualifications of the respondents

Table 3; Radiographer’s level interest in research

Table 4; Radiographer’s knowledge of research

Table 5; Relationship between radiographer’s professional levels and factors limiting their participation in research

Figure 1; Factors limiting radiographer’s participation in research

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

Radiography, as with other health care professions aims towards establishing full professional recognition. A recognized research background is considered an essential component of this, as research evidence provides input into various activities, such as clinical practice and policy making for the demonstration of professional accountability and autonomy 1

Radiographers as health professionals must have both the confidence and motivation to develop professionally. They need to be encouraged to evaluate the evidence and change procedures, if required, allowing the practitioner to adopt a culture of lifelong learning2. The Statements of Professional Conduct, (2002) state that: “Radiographers should use evidence- based practice. This may be achieved by active participation in audit and research. Additionally, radiographers have a responsibility to engage in developing their body of knowledge ...“

Since the profession of radiography started, advances through implementation of research findings have come in leaps and bounds. The natural consequence of these advances has been a total transformation of clinical imaging practice. The past four decades have witnessed the expansion of the field of radiography with new imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evolving. All these advancements in the radiography profession have come with increased responsibilities on the part of the modern day radiography practitioner, more so now that evidence- based practice is being advocated. The modern day radiographer needs to be well trained and versed to function effectively in a diverse and rapidly changing health care sector. In order to cope with these increased responsibilities of modern day clinical imaging practitioner, the National Health Service (NHS) of United Kingdom announced the creation of consultant radiographer practitioner status in 2000, along with other allied health professions1’. One of the core functions of the consultant radiography practitioner is research and evaluation. Research is an important aspect of evidence-based medical practice 4’5including radiography.

Research which can simply be defined as the process of arriving at dependable solutions to problems through the planned and systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of data6 comes in handy in achieving the consultant practitioner status in Nigeria. Research is the most important tool for advancing knowledge, promoting progress and enabling man to relate more effectively to his environment, accomplishes his purpose and resolve his conflicts6. The main focus of evidence-based clinical imaging is research and for any progress to be made in the profession in Nigeria, Nigerian radiographers must acquire a sound knowledge of research. Good knowledge of research should be a key competency criterion for radiographers in the same way that evidence-based approach to medical care has been recognized as a key competency issue for doctors7, 8. Oral history has also been suggested as a unique and potential research method in radiography.

A very first important step in implementing these paradigm shifts in clinical medical imaging practice in Nigeria is to ascertain the attitude and level of awareness and perception of Nigerian radiographers towards research.