Incubator programme to support more radiographers into research

Lead research therapeutic radiographer Dr Helen McNair at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is at the forefront of an opportunity to support more radiographers into research.

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has awarded funding to Imperial College Academic Health Science Centre for three years for the establishment of the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiographers Incubator, which will be led by Dr McNair.

The incubator aims to stimulate, inspire and guide radiographers to engage in and lead research projects by identifying barriers to their engagement in research through surveys and highlighting best practice and possible solutions.

It will also create a radiographer-specific programme of research development opportunities such as mentoring and career guidance and create a national community of radiographers interested in research. Longer term, the incubator will aim to enable research with direct patient benefit and support the benefits of research on NHS staff recruitment and retention. It is one of 10 schemes nationally that aim to address areas where there is a need to build research capacity on a national level.

Reader at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and NIHR senior clinical lecturer Dr McNair said: “Therapeutic and diagnostic radiographers have the skills and knowledge to deliver high quality research to improve outcomes, patient experience and the delivery of care. However, there is a low take-up of radiographers across the NHS doing research.

“There is a clear need to address the barriers that prevent radiographers from engaging in and leading research, as well as to provide a comprehensive programme of support. I am pleased that we have been awarded NIHR Incubator funding as it provides an exciting opportunity for us to support and build research capacity in radiography on a national level.”

The incubator’s partners are The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, The Society and College of Radiographers, University of Cumbria, University of Exeter, Sheffield Hallam University, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and the Council for Allied Health Professions Research.

Picture: The programme will provide mentoring and career guidance.

Published on page 18 of the August 2023 issue of RAD Magazine.