Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy Research-Skills and Strategies, A. Ramlaul (Ed.) Churchill Livingstone, London (2010). Cost: pound26.99, 287 pp., ISBN: 9780702031045

摘要

One of the frustrations for individuals undertaking research within Radiography and Radiotherapy is that whilst there is a wealth of extant literature that addresses the theory of research, this is frequently scattered throughout a variety of texts, few of which use concrete examples from radiography/radiotherapy practice to highlight the practice and process of research. 'Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy Research' is the first time a research text book has been published that specifically focuses on the radiographic profession. One of the strengths of this text is its broad scope that addresses a variety of methodological approaches and links these to the analytical process, frameworks and concepts that they underpin. The information within the text allows the reader to explore the research process in its entirety stemming from research philosophies, methodological considerations, data handling and dissemination of findings. The editorial, foreword and opening chapters squarely contextualise the importance of research within radiography, and the organisation of the following chapters reflects the procedural stages of research culminating in a useful exploration of structuring and writing up during the final stages of the research journey. Throughout, the material is presented in a clearly understandable manner. The two chapters dealing with data analysis are particularly useful and may go some way to allaying the fears of first time researchers wrestling with their data. This is achieved by reflection on real life examples of data manipulation and the use of schematic flow charts that illustrate the decision making process. Postgraduate students or those more experienced in research may also find these chapters of use, although through its very nature a text such as this does not have the scope to explore the minutiae of any one individual analytical approach that may be employed within any given research project.