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Australian and New Zealand Medical Radiations Research Network Rebecca Owen Radiation Oncology Mater Centre, Brisbane, AUS. Queensland. Australian and New Zealand Medical Radiation Research Network. AIR for generous funding & NZIMRT & TROG for ongoing support
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Australian and New Zealand Medical Radiations Research Network Rebecca Owen Radiation Oncology Mater Centre, Brisbane, AUS
Australian and New Zealand Medical Radiation Research Network • AIR for generous funding & NZIMRT & TROG for ongoing support • Many people have contributed and continue contribute to the development and evolution of the ANZMRRN. Rebecca Owen, Qld (Chair); Sheila Pickard, NSW (Secretary); Tim Deegan, (Qld); Narelle Wallace, (Qld); Craig Watson, (ACT); Trina Archer, (NZ); Andrew Clarke, (NZ); Gay Dungey, (NZ); KareenGrimshaw, (NZ); Hayley Wooding, (NZ); Sharon Richardson, (WA); Jennifer Cox, (NSW); MeeganShepherd, (NSW); ShereeBarlin, (NSW); Stephanie Leader, (NSW); Richard Oates, (Vic); Sarah Everitt, (Vic); Charlotte Sale, (Vic); Kellie Knight, (Vic); Melissa Crain, (TROG); Alisha Moore, (TROG); Caroline Wright, (Monash University); Bronwyn Hilder, (Tas); William Tyler Tran (Canada); Kristie Matthews (Monash); Alice Hall (AIR); Paul Gloster (AIR);
Synopsis • Research • ANZMRRN • Aim • Concept development • www.anzmrrn.org • Research Benchmarking Survey – NZ RTs • Purpose • Results – NZ RTs
What is research? …investigation undertaken to gain knowledge and understanding… National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research …seeking an answer to a question in an organised and consistent way… Payton OD (1988) Research: the validation of clinical practice, 2ndedn. F A Davis, Philadelphia
Research… Why do it? • “Discovery” • Challenging • Don’t always find what you expect to! • Our practice should be evidence based • To improve patient outcomes • AdvancesMR
Sophisticated Imaging and Cancer Treatment Technology Image Courtesy of Sarah Everitt; & Gandey; Standardising radiation dose in 4D-CT Imaging can reduce Lung imaging
Research • Research is a challenge! • RT’s attitudes and perceptions toward research • require support before engaging (Skutter et al, 2003 The Radiographer) • Commonly reported barriers • Time, education, knowledge of methodologies, • mentorship & funding (Wright et al, J RadiatPrac 2009; Agustin et al, JMIRO)
Aim of the ANZMRRN • To provide a freely available research network that will bring Australian and New Zealand Medical Radiation Professionals together in all aspects of research
The ANZMRRN Story… • Introduced at TROG TRW 2012 • Met with enthusiasm! • Steering group developed TOR • Input from lead of CRRN • 2 Main objectives: • Develop the concept of the network • Survey Australia and New Zealand RTs to find out what (if) they want and need in a research network
Concept • Steering group met regularly since 07/12 • Facilitate networking & collaboration • Improve communication b/w MRPs • To develop high quality MRP led multi-D research projects • Encourage involvement in TROG • Provide resources • Share & transfer knowledge through mentorship • Survey: of RT research needs
Next…. • Presented this concept to the AIR • Essentially we have developed a partnership • Working with keymembers there tocreatethe web space • Being done in 2 phases… • Ph 1 is now “live” www.anzmrrn.com • AIR Research Grant for the Survey
PHASE 2 – Coming soon! • Secure online membership • Facility for generating email • Further develop trials/projects register (proposed & current) • Quarterly online Journal Club • With online forum
Outcomes – (we hope!) • Outcomes • Improve communication and collaboration between MRP researchers • Increase MRP participation in research • Increase the quality of MRP research • Capture outcomes by re-doing the Survey in Aug 2015
Survey - Aims • Identify the research qualifications of RTs working in Australia and New Zealand • Identify the research activities and level of support that RTs working in Australia and New Zealand are involved in and receive • Understand the types of research RTs are involved in • Understand the current needs of RT researchers with respect to mentorship and resources • Elicit opinions about the proposed research network
Survey Method • HREC approved on-line questionnaire (27 questions) • Sample targeted all RTs practicing in Aus and NZ. • Distributed electronically by: • email from the AIR to members • Directors of RT departments in Aus & NZ
Results - Snapshot • Survey was distributed between September and October 2013 • 478 surveys were completed and returned • Aus 420 (87.8%) and New Zealand respondents 58 (12.2%)
Research Qualifications • Overall 339 (71%) no research quals, • 39 (11.5%) of these RTs enrolled in PhD, Masters or Honours degree • NZ – 23 (40%) Graduated; 10 enrolled
Are you involved in Research? • What type of research? • 10 respondents • Qualitative = Quantitative
Research Mentorship • 56 respondents • 6 (out of 10) had research mentors • 50 do not • Comprise Academics (majority), RTs, ROs, Physicists & Nursing • 14 (40 responded) identified that they would like a research mentor
Advantage of a Mentor? • 40 Free text responses • 90 % positive “Support, encouragement, wisdom, networking skills" “Guidance with research for someone who has little experience in this area would be helpful, make it less daunting” “I have been a quantitative researcher …. More recently I have become involved in qualitative research... I could do with a qualitative research mentor"
Resource Needs When asked about resource needs RTs rated: • General awareness of research process • Study design & methods • GCP • Statistics and Ethics equally down the list
Concept of ANZMRRN • Positive • 85 % of respondents (35/58) were interested in becoming members • 85 % indicated that a support network would increase their participation in research • Mentorship was rated highest... • General awareness of the research • GCP • Study design
Summary - Survey • Validated need for ANZMRRN • RT’s feel they would benefit from: • improved knowledge of the research process • access to a mentor
Acknowledgements Funding: • AIR • AIR Research Grant Investigators: • Sarah Everitt • Caroline Wright • Kellie Knight • Sheila Pickard Collaborators • AIR • NZIMRT • TROG • Special Thanks to Alice Hall & Paul Gloster • Sheila Pickard & all the Steering Group members