Aim: The aim of this study was to explore what the core domain of research means to consultant radiographers in clinical practice and to identify the key factors that facilitate or hinder research activity by this staff group. Design: Grounded theory research methodology was employed. There were three phases to the study: • Literature review. • Electronic questionnaires to all those in consultant radiographer posts as identified by the Society and College of Radiographers consultant radiographer network. • Twenty five consultant radiographers invited for telephone interview. Results: Results indicate there are variations across clinical specialties as to the amount and level of research undertaken by consultant radiographers. The principal barriers revealed were: lack of time; excessive clinical workload; lack of skills and confidence to undertake research; poor research culture; and lack of support. The main facilitators noted were: dedicated time, research training and up-skilling; mutually beneficial collaborations; managerial understanding of the research domain of the role; and research focussed on clinical demand. Conclusion: Research is one of the four core domains of consultant allied health professional and nursing roles but, as yet, it is not fully embedded into those of all consultant radiographers. Many consultant radiographers appear to spend more of their time on the ‘clinical expert’ element of their role at the expense of the research domain. This research identified factors, from the consultant radiographers’ perspective, that both support and hinder research and suggests that, with ‘an intelligent overview’, some of barriers could be overcome. This study concludes that there is an urgent need for consultant radiographers to understand why research is one of the four core domains and to recognise the need to embed research into their clinical practice.

No / Non-medical consultant posts are a relatively new addition to the National Health Service (NHS) workforce, the role first being announced for nurses in 1998 followed by the Allied Health Professions in 2000. They have been described as multidimensional positions that encompass the four core functions of consultant practice: expert clinical practice; professional leadership and consultancy; practice and service development, research and evaluation; education and professional development. Consequently, the purpose of non-medical consultants is to promote and develop practice at the clinical, strategic and policy level. Despite the professional drive to develop consultant radiographer roles, by the end of 2005 only 15 were in post. One of the reasons for this poor appointment rate is the deficiency in suitably qualified and experienced candidates, a finding acknowledged to be an issue across all the non-medical professions. Further, the development of potential consultant practitioners has been hampered by the lack of clearly defined clinical and educational pathways. This paper acknowledges the limited published material available to radiographers wishing to advance to consultant positions. Yet while recognising the need to establish a true consultant career pathway underpinned by an appropriate education and research strategy, it explores the requirements of consultant practice, identifying some opportunities available to radiographers to develop appropriate consultant level skills.