Research group
Constituted in 2002, the aim of the Research Group is to help the SCoR fulfil its objectives, by encouraging all radiographers to use research in their practice and to promote radiography’s unique knowledge base.
Current members
Co-chair: Heidi Probst
Co-chair: Helen Gallagher
Vice-chair: Fiona Mellor
Council member: Sandie Mathers and Terri Gilleece
Sonyia McFadden
Richard Price
Donna Routsis
Nicholas Courtier
SoR Professional Officer: Rachel Harris
Members of the committee fulfil various functions, including contributing to both SCoR research activity and to the development of responses for national and international consultations on research related matters. They oversee, on behalf of UK Council and the College Board of Trustees, the administration of research awards that are given annually.
Dr Heidi Probst
Senior Lecturer in Radiotherapy & Oncology
Tel: 0114 2254359
Email Heidi
Research Interests:
- Breast cancer radiotherapy
- Radiotherapy workforce
- E-learning
Current projects:
- The Radiotherapy Workforce - Intentions to Leave: A Longitudinal Prospective Investigation of Workload, Task Complexity and Unmet Career Expectations. (Grant size £10,000)
- An Investigation of the impact on learner, educator and Institution of electronic distance learning compared with traditional delivery for a level 7 Interprofessional Research Methods Module. (Grant size £2,120.00)
Qualifications:
- Diploma College of Radiographers (Radiotherapy) 1987
- BSc (Hons) Professional Studies in Health Care Teesside Polytechnic 1991
- Further and Adult Education Teaching certificate 1992
- MA Industrial Relations Keele University 1994
- PhD University of Teesside 2002
Work Experience:
I qualified as a therapy radiographer from the Royal London Hospital. Most of my clinical experience was undertaken at Cookridge Hospital in Leeds, where I worked as a Superintendent II Radiographer, specialising in pre-treatment/simulation from 1993- 1999.
In 1999, I received a Department of Health Research Fellowship award to complete my PhD (see details below).
Previous Projects:
Investigating Radiotherapy Protocols for Breast Carcinoma: An evaluation of respiratory morbidity, treatment accuracy and efficiency. DoH grant size £80,929
Project Details:
Treatment of breast cancer has become multidisciplinary with radiotherapy playing a fundamental role. Owing to its high incidence, breast cancer can utilise a substantial proportion of the radiotherapy treatment capacity. It is therefore necessary to consider the impact that technical approaches have on the use of resources, as well as ensuring that treatment policies result in the best outcomes for patients.
The Project aims were:
To investigate the relationship between the depth of lung incorporated in the tangential chest wall fields and lung symptoms identified from patient self reports.
To identify the effectiveness of two skin marking options, and their impact on the use of resources.
Method:
A randomised trial was used with patients randomised to one of two skin marking options and one of two lung depth categories. The primary outcome measures were patient self reports of a dry unproductive cough (DUC) post treatment and levels of treatment accuracy. Secondary outcomes included quality of life scores, patient experiences of the skin marking options and use of resources. A sample of 360 patients from one radiotherapy centre consented to participate in the study.
Results:
On an intention to treat basis, no difference in post treatment symptoms for DUC could be identified between the two lung depth categories. A logistic regression identified: patient age, the use of loco-regional radiotherapy, and symptoms of DUC pre treatment as significant in determining the risk of patients developing symptoms post treatment.
No difference in treatment accuracy for the two skin marking options could be identified. A cost-effectiveness evaluation of the two skin marking options was unable to detect a cost saving for either option, with no significant difference in effectiveness demonstrated between the two groups.
Discussion:
Within the range of lung volumes treated the central lung depth was found to have no influence on the post treatment scores for DUC. However, as a significant proportion of data was missing, the failure to find a difference in reporting of post treatment DUC should be treated with caution. The factors found to influence symptoms in the patient sample may help practitioners to identify high risk patients prior to treatment.
Overall the results have provided a first step in building an evidence base to inform future practice in this field, as well as identifying further areas for study.
Recent Publications:
- Probst H, Holmes M, Dodwell D. Radiotherapy waiting times, resources and protocols for breast carcinoma; a survey of UK radiotherapy centres. Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice 2003; 3(3):113-121.
- Probst H, Dodwell D, Gray JC, Holmes M. Radiotherapy for Breast Carcinoma: An evaluation of the relationship between the central lung depth and respiratory symptoms. Radiography 2005; 11(1):3-9.
- Probst H, Dodwell D, Gray JC, Holmes M. An evaluation of the accuracy of semi-permanent skin marks for breast cancer irradiation. Radiography 2006 12 (3) 186-188.
- Probst H, Griffiths S, Moving to a High- tech approach to the Irradiation of Early Breast cancer: Is it possible to balance Efficacy, Morbidity and Resource use? Clinical Oncology 2006; 18 (3) 268-275.
Helen Gallagher
Helen is a Senior Lecturer in Radiography at Glasgow Caledonian University and has practiced in both clinical and research positions, specialising in neuroradiography and, more specifically, MRI and functional imaging. In 2002, she successfully completed a PhD in cognitive neuropsychology at University College London. This research was an investigation of the neural correlates of social cognitive abilities using functional imaging techniques and involved the development and implementation of cognitive tasks to study the perception of biological motion, intentional behaviour and emotional expression. This work revealed a network of brain regions involved in specific social cognitive abilities that have been found to be impaired in children with Autism and patients with Schizophrenia. The aim of this research was to characterise the functions and connectivity of these regions, in the hope of better understanding the underlying causes of these disorders.
Current research activities include a) examining the perception of emotional biological movement in patients with unipolar depression using fMRI. This too is a collaborative project with the universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde. A future objective of this project is to apply this paradigm clinically to predict treatment response in patients with this disorder. b) the investigation of impaired visuomotor transformation pathways in children and adults with periventricular white matter damage, using fMRI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), in collaboration with the Department of Vision Sciences. A common aim of these projects is to broaden the clinical applicability of fMRI in order to influence patient management by facilitating earlier diagnosis or predict treatment outcomes. Other interests include structural MR and DT imaging in the investigation of personality disorders associated with acute brain injury.
Helen is currently supervising 3 PhD projects. The topics for these are:
- Cognitive visual dysfunction in children with hydrocephalus.
- Executive functions in multiple sclerosis.
- The processing of biological motion patterns in adults with high-functioning autism.
Sandie Mathers
Sandie Mathers, research fellow at The Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, carries out research on imaging related topics within the Health Services Research Group. Her post is jointly funded by the University and NHS Grampian.
She feels it is important to keep contact with her clinical roots and still works regularly as a radiographer at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. Initial research focussed on radiographer role development, but subsequent projects have assessed patients’ knowledge of scanning, the effectiveness of radiology patient information, informed consent, outcome measures used in radiology and the use of innovative research methods to engage children in research.
Increasingly, projects have become more patient-focused in line with the patient focus public involvement research agenda. Her work has been published and presented both nationally and internationally. She is currently a member for Scotland on the UK Council of the Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR). In addition she is a member of the SCoR Research Group, on the editorial board of Radiography, and the Council representative on the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists (ISRRT).
Dr Lisa Booth BSc PhD
Lisa Booth is a Senior Lecturer of Medical Imaging in the School of Medical Imaging Sciences at the University of Cumbria. She worked part-time in clinical medical imaging at the Royal Preston Hospital and the Royal Lancaster Infirmary whilst studying for her PhD. She was appointed to Lancaster’s St Martin’s College in 2000.
Her research interests are in health care communication and she has developed undergraduate/postgraduate modules in Human Sciences related to health. She is Vice Chair of the research committee for the Society and College of Radiographers, as well as being Vice Chair for the Local NHS Research Ethics Committee.
Her teaching responsibilities are in radiography education, in both the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at the University of Cumbria, as well as contributing to the education of Doctoral students registered at the university.
Lisa Hackney
Consultant Radiographer at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.
Upon qualification in 1993, I accepted a post at Walsall Manor Hospital, undertaking general radiography. A few months later I returned to my training ground at UHNS and remained there undertaking various aspects of imaging until I found my niche in breast work. I specialised early on in my career in breast imaging, undertaking the post graduate certificate of competence in mammography at Manchester in 1999. As opportunities arose, I undertook various post-graduate modules to include breast ultrasound, image interpretation, and image guided interventional procedures, eventually achieving my MHSc in breast imaging in 2007.
I was appointed as a Consultant Radiographer in breast imaging in October 2008, after holding a Locum post for 15 months. Within the role, I am responsible for my own clinics within the breast screening and symptomatic services provided across the Trust sites, and critically providing a radiological opinion at the weekly breast MDT meeting.
I am a Post Graduate mentor for breast ultrasound associated with Leeds University. Education has also been provided in the form of posters for RCR breast group, UKRC, and presentations given at various meetings. It is envisaged that this aspect of the role will develop further by establishing partnerships with local universities to develop educational courses relevant to local requirements.
I have a committed perspective to clinical audit and, as a result of findings from my MHSc research, there was a reconfiguration of the one-stop breast clinics. Audit has proved this to be an effective system with 100% of patients now having a definitive biopsy result at first sampling and a 17% efficiency gained within the working structure of the clinic.
Since appointment, another significant change of practice instigated was in the pre-op assessment/ultrasound guided biopsy of axillary lymph nodes. Preliminary data from the pilot study was encouraging and a prospective study has since been undertaken. The results have been submitted to ECR 2010 for an oral presentation (I await a response!).
Research is often the component of the post that is difficult to deliver when there are strong clinical pressures. This is an area that I hope to contribute to as my experience grows. The first proposal to be undertaken with radiology colleagues is 'Do triple negative breast tumours have informative imaging characteristics?'
As demands on the breast imaging service have increased, the recent securement of an additional clinic room has proved pivotal in improving current workflow and generating extra capacity. Project leading on this development was a new and occasionally demanding experience!
I hope that my appointment has brought about a positive effect on patient care and will continue to contribute to service redesign.
Karen Knapp
Karen completed a PhD in 'Multi-site Quantitative Ultrasound for Clinical and Genetic Studies of Osteoporosis' in 2002 at Guy’s, King’s and St Thomas’ School of Medicine, King’s College London. Karen is currently a Senior Lecturer and Programme Lead for the BSc (Hons) Medical Imaging (Diagnostic Radiography) programme at the University of Exeter. In addition to teaching, Karen continues her research into osteoporosis and bone health.
Karen’s current research includes the diagnosis and prevalence of atraumatic vertebral fractures, the influence of diet on bone health and imaging of bone micro-structure in comparison to its mechanical properties. Karen is currently supervising three PhD students in various studies investigating osteoarthritis and the micro-structure of cartilage.
Fiona Mellor
Research Radiographer. Diagnostic radiography
Current projects:
PhD: Bournemouth University. Oct 2008 - June 2013.
"A biomechanical assessment of passive recumbent inter-vertebral motion in the mid lumbar spine in symptomatic and asymptomatic participants"
Abstract:
Background:
Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) is usually aggravated or relieved by movement or position, but the actual mechanism of pain generation is difficult to confirm. Despite this, the use of physical treatments, aimed at mobilising or stabilising segments, or improving strength, endurance or co-ordination is very common, even though there is no way of objectively determining the indications for them.
Objectives:
Objectively measure the motion between vertebrae in the lumbar spine using quantitative fluoroscopy. Numerically evaluate this for the investigation of (CLBP).
Expected Outcomes:
Determine whether those with CLBP have detectable mechanical disruption in their spines compared to those without CLBP.
Anticipated Benefits:
Knowing if CLBP is mechanical or not would facilitate treatment, leading to better health, occupational and social care decisions and reduce the amount of ineffective treatment.
Previous projects:
Flexible or solid stabilisation for lumbar spondylosis? (FleSS) A randomised controlled trial - Stage 1 - Feasibility Study.
Sponsored by Zimmer International, a feasibility study for a randomised controlled trial comparing the outcomes of Postero-lateral fusion (PLF) with dynamic stabilisation (DYNESIS) of the lumbar spine. Outcome measures include objectively measurement of intervertebral motion using a new radiographic tool called OSMIA (Objective Spinal Motion Imaging Analysis).
Development of quantitative fluoroscopy for the assessment of inter-vertebral motion.
Sponsored by the Department of Health New and Emerging Applications of Technology (NEAT B020) programme. The development of the OSMIA tool.
Publications:
1. Mid-lumbar lateral flexion stability measured in healthy volunteers by in-vivo fluoroscopy. Mellor FE, Muggleton JM, Bagust J, Mason W, Thomas P, Breen AC. Spine (submitted Feb. 09).
2. Does non-specific back pain have anything to do with inter-vertebral motion? An inconclusive study. Breen AC, Mellor FE, Mason W, Bagust J, Fower J. Journal of Bone and Joint Surg (Br) (abstract in press).
3. Kinematics of the Aging Spine: A Review of Past Knowledge and Survey of Recent Developments: Deitz AK, Mellor FE, Teyhan DS, Panjabi MM, Wong KWM. in: Yue, Guyer, Johnson, Khoo & Hochschuler (eds). The Comprehensive Treatment of the Aging Spine: Minimally Invasive and Advanced Techniques. (in press)
4. Research Outcome Measures. Mellor FE, Knapp K. in Ramlaul (ed.), 2010, Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy Research: Skills and Strategies, Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh. (in Press)
5. An objective spinal motion imaging assessment: (OSMIA) reliability, accuracy and exposure data. Breen A, Muggleton J, Mellor F. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2006, 7:1.
6. Lumbar intervertebral motion in asymptomatic and post fusion subjects. Breen A. Muggleton J. Mellor FE. Morris A. Eisenstein S. Thomas L. J Bone Joint Surgery Br Proceedings, Feb 2005; 87-B: 35.
7. An objective spinal motion imaging assessment of the integrity of lumbar spine stabilisation grafts. Breen A. Muggleton J. Mellor FE. Morris A. Eisenstein S. Thomas L. J Bone Joint Surg Br Proceedings. Nov 2003; 85-B: 243.
8. Longitudinal changes in extended roles in radiography. Price R. Miller L. Mellor F. Radiography. 2002. 4. 012-045.
9. Survey of training, post training and current working practices of PgC/PgD/MSc Ultrasound student cohorts 1993-1999. Fernando R. Mellor FE. Prime N. Journal of Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging. May. 2001.
Contact details:
Miss Fiona Mellor
Research Radiographer
Institute for Musculoskeletal Research and Clinical Implementation
Anglo-European College of Chiropractic
13-15 Parkwood Road
Bournemouth
Dorset BH5 2DF
Tel: +44 (0) 1202 436280
Visit our website http://www.imrci.ac.uk/
Frederick Murphy
Dr Fred Murphy qualified as a Diagnostic Radiographer in 1985. He worked at various grades in clinical radiography until moving into education in 1996. Fred worked as a Lecturer Practitioner and then full time Lecturer for the University of Wales, Bangor. He was awarded his PhD in 2004 for his study into the Humanistic interactions with medical imaging technology from the University of Wales, Bangor. Following a period as Senior Lecturer and Head of Department, he left the United Kingdom to work as Postgraduate Programme Leader for Unitec, Auckland, New Zealand. He was involved with all aspects of teaching and research in New Zealand. In particular, he developed and led the first image interpretation course in the country. Fred returned to the UK in 2008 to take up an appointment with the University of Salford. He is the Theme Leader for the Salford Trauma Imaging Research Group and teaches at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
His current research interests are:
- Exploring the clinical experiences of dyslexic student radiographers (CoRIPS award);
- Qualitative research methods in radiography;
- Trauma radiography.
Publications
Articles in refereed journals
Murphy F. J. The need for the implementation of in-service training programmes within radiology departments
Journal of Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging (1998); 1:35-44.
Reeves P. J, Murphy F. J. Oral history as a technique for the professionalisation of student radiographers
Journal of Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging (1998); 2:97-104.
Murphy F. J, Jones B, Jordan E, O’Reilly S. Critical thinking techniques and final year students: valuable resources
Journal of Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging (1999); 2:75-80.
Murphy F.J. Lay beliefs and knowledge of medical imaging procedures.
Journal of Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging (2001); 4 (1): 9-15.
Murphy F.J. Understanding the humanistic interaction with medical imaging technology.
Radiography (2001); 7: 193-201.
Murphy F.J. The Paradox of Imaging Technology: A review of the literature.
Radiography (2005); 12: 169-174.
Murphy F. J. Defining Dyslexia: Adjustments, support and risk in the clinical training of MRTs.
ShadowsMay,( 2007a); 10-11.
Murphy F.J. Act, Scene, Agency: The Drama of Medical Imaging.
Radiography (2008); 15: 34-39.
Yielder J, Murphy F, Sinclair T. Career progression for MRTs in New Zealand: A research study.
Shadows (2008); The New Zealand Journal of Medical Radiation Technology; 51 (3): 9-17.
Young A, Yielder J, Murphy F. Role extension and the MRI technologist: A survey of need and perceptions.
Shadows (2008) The New Zealand Journal of Medical Radiation Technology, 51 (2): 17-22.
Murphy F.J. The clinical experiences of dyslexic healthcare students.
Radiography (2008); 15: 341-344.
Young A, Yielder J, Murphy F. The Reporting MRI Radiographer: Experiences from the United Kingdom.
Shadows (2009); 52: 24-27.
Murphy F.J, Yielder J, Establishing Rigour in Qualitative Radiography Research.
Radiography (2010);16: 62-67.
Robinson L, Reeves P, Murphy F, Hogg P. Supporting socialisation in the transition to university: A potential use for on-line discussion boards
Radiography (2010);16: 48-55.
Conference Proceedings
Understanding the Humanistic Interaction with Modern Imaging Technology.
Radiological Society of North America, Chicago( 2004).
Risk Assessment Tool for Dyslexia in Clinical Practice: A Pilot Study.
UKRC Abstracts, June (2005) p. 17. Manchester.
An interactive risk assessment tool for student MRTs.
NZIMRT Conference, Palmerston North, New Zealand. August (2007).
The Drama of the Magnetic Imaging.
Paper presented at the International Qualitative Research in Health and Social Care, Bournemouth, August (2008). Awarded best conference poster presentation, 2008.
Articles in non-refereed journals.
Murphy F. J. Latex hypersensitivities in the radiology department.
Synergy (1998); June: 10-12.
Murphy F. J. How was it for you? Imaging technology and the patient experience.
Synergy (1999); July: 4-5.
Murphy F. J. Are we sitting comfortably? Information technology and the radiographer.
Synergy (1999); October: 16-17.
Murphy F.J. Working with dyslexia.
Synergy (2007b); April: 26-27.
Conferences
Symbolic interactions in radiology.
Paper presented at the Imaging and Oncology Sciences Conference, Birmingham (2000).
Contrast media: they came, we saw, what we did about it.
Urology study day, (University of Wales, Bangor), Chester (2000).
Ontological Choreography and Radiography.
Paper presented at the International Qualitative Research in Health and Social Care, Bournemouth (2002).
The Drama of Radiography.
Paper presented at Manchester Sociology Postgraduate Forum. Manchester (2003).
Andrew England
Andrew England qualified as a Diagnostic Radiographer in 1999. He worked as a radiographer in a large university hospital in Manchester, progressing into the specialist areas of CT and Interventional Radiology. In 2003, Andrew was appointed as a Research Radiographer, this was funded by a medical device company with the main project seeking to investigate complications following aortic stent-graft repair. He was awarded an MSc in 2004 for his study on the movements of aortic stent-grafts in the abdominal aorta from the University of Cumbria. In 2006, Andrew became full-time Lecturer for the University of Liverpool, being involved in all aspects of undergraduate radiography training. With experience in CT scanning and Vascular and Interventional Radiology, he currently teaches on postgraduate Radiotherapy modules and to Vascular Surgeons at the Royal College of Surgeons in London.
His current research interests are:
- Investigating the variability of CT based measurements between observers (CoRIPS award);
- Methods to assess movement of aortic stent-graft devices;
- Complications following fenestrated aortic stent-graft repair.
Publications
- England A, Butterfield JS, Jones N, McCollum CN, Nasim A, Welch M, Ashleigh RJ. (2004). Device migration after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: experience with a Talent stent-graft. J Vasc Interv Radiol, 15:1399-1405.
- England A, Buttefield JS, Ashleigh RJ. (2005). Ilio-enteric fistula treated by covered stent-graft. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg, 29:557.
- England A, Tam CL, Thacker DE, et al. (2005). Patterns, incidence and predictive factors for pain following interventional radiology. Clinical Radiology, 60:1188-1194.
- England A, Bradley AJ, Tuck JS, Polyzois K, Downey P, Rao PN (2005). CT virtual ureteroscopy.
- Radmagazine, 31(362):34.
- England A, Butterfield JS, Nasim A, Welch M, McCollum CN, Ashleigh RJ. (2007). Emergency endovascular treatment of emergent or ruptured aortic aneurysms: A single centre experience. Radiography, 13(2):103-108.
- England A, Butterfield JS, Ashleigh RJ. (2006). Incidence and effect of bare suprarenal stent struts crossing renal ostia following EVAR. Eur J Vas Endovasc Surg, 32(5):523-8.
- England A, Butterfield JS, Roulson JA, Pritchard S, Sukumar S, Ashleigh RJ. (2007). Intestinal Infarction A Rare Complication of Endovasular Therapy. Radiography, 13(3):248-250.
- Sereki D, England A, Butterfield JS, Nasim A, Welch M, McCollum CN, Ashleigh RJ. (2006). Medium Term Follow Up of a Single Centre Experience of Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Using the Talent Stent. JVIR, 17(6):973-7.
- Martin DF, Laasch HU., Kelly AM, Hammonds R, Wilbraham L, Sastry S, England A. (2006). Troponin T after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: no evidence of harm. Endoscopy, 38(8):793-6.
- England A, Butterfield JS, Ashleigh RJ. (2008). Observer variation in vascular CT measurements of the abdominal aorta. Radiography, 14(4):282-287.
- Littlewood R, England A, Vinjamuri S. (2008). PET-CT in the diagnosis and management of lung cancer. Synergy Magazine, August, pp24-pp28.
- England A, Butterfield JS, McCollum CN, Ashleigh RJ. (2008). Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair with the talent stent-graft: outcomes in patients with large iliac arteries. Cardiovasc Intervent Radio 31(4):723.7.
- Wyss TR, Dick F, England, A, Brown LC, Rodway A, Greenhalgh RM. (2009). Three-Dimensional Imaging Core Laboratory of the Endovascular Aneurysm Repair Trials: Validation of Methodology. Eur J Vas Endovasc Surg, 38(6):724-731.
- Glaysher E, England A, Young P, Torres K. (2009). Post-treatment dysphagia in oropharyngeal cancer. Synergy, Dec, 6-9.
- Oschin OA, England A, McWilliams RG, Brennan JA, Fisher RK, Vallabhaneni SR. (2010). Intra- and Interobserver variability of target vessel measurement for fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair. J Endovasc Ther 17(3):402-407.
- England A, Best A, Friend C. (2010). A comparison of radiographers and radiologists in CT based measurements of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Radiography (IN PRESS).
- England A, Niker A, Redmond C. (2010). Variability of vascular CT measurements techniques used in the assessment of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Radiography (IN PRESS).
Lynne Omar
Lynne qualified as a Therapeutic Radiographer in 1980 at the Royal Marsden Hospital. She has worked in all areas of radiotherapy in several London hospitals, before working as a Research Radiographer at St. Thomas' and back at the Royal Marsden. Lynne joined the Cancer Research UK Promoting Early Presentation Group in 2005 as a radiographer in research and is currently working on the development and delivery of an intervention to promote early presentation of women with breast cancer. She is involved in all aspects of the research and also the training of other radiographers.
Lynne is also employed by the North Middlesex Hospital as a Radiotherapy Trials Radiographer. Her areas of interest are Breast Cancer research and trial management.