Australian and New Zealand Medical Radiations Research Network Rebecca Owen

1. Australian and New Zealand Medical Radiations Research Network Rebecca Owen Radiation Oncology Mater Centre, Brisbane, AUS

2. Queensland

3. 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);

4. Synopsis • Research • ANZMRRN • Aim • Concept development • www.anzmrrn.org • Research Benchmarking Survey – NZ RTs • Purpose • Results – NZ RTs

5. 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

6. 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

7. “C. 1895 Radiation Discoveries”

8. Sophisticated Imaging and Cancer Treatment Technology Image Courtesy of Sarah Everitt; & Gandey; Standardising radiation dose in 4D-CT Imaging can reduce Lung imaging

9. 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)

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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%)

24. Results: NZ Respondents

25. Demographics: Respondents

26. Setting

27. 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

28. Are you involved in Research? • What type of research? • 10 respondents • Qualitative = Quantitative

29. 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

30. 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"

31. 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

32. Access to Time for Research

33. How is Research Encouraged?

34. 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

35. Summary - Survey • Validated need for ANZMRRN • RT’s feel they would benefit from: • improved knowledge of the research process • access to a mentor

36. 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

37. Thank you!