Larger Bodies in Radiography (LBinRAD)
Experiences of patients living in larger bodies, and how we improve services
Larger Bodies in Radiography (LBinRAD)
Experiences of patients living in larger bodies, and how we improve services
There is evidence that people who have larger bodies (including individuals who are wider, taller, or broader than average, and not solely those who identify as plus-size) may experience challenges when accessing healthcare services. In radiography, these challenges can arise from equipment design, service environments, communication, and the attitudes and behaviours encountered during care.
Historically, research in this area has focused largely on technical and equipment-related considerations. The Larger Bodies in Radiography (LBinRAD) project was established to explore the experiences of people with larger bodies when accessing radiography services and to identify opportunities for improving patient care and professional practice.
Study 1- CoRIPS Survey Study
The first phase of the project was funded through a College of Radiographers Research Grant (CoRIPS) led by Dr Christine Heales.
This survey study explored the experiences of people living in larger bodies when accessing radiography services, including Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy. Participants were asked about their experiences of care, interactions with healthcare professionals, service environments, resources, and equipment.
The study attracted responses from across the UK and generated valuable insights into the barriers and challenges that people with larger bodies may encounter during their radiography journeys. The findings from this work have now been published and have helped to establish an evidence base for future research and service improvement initiatives.
Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement Activity (PPIE)
Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) has been central to the LBinRAD programme from the outset, ensuring that the experiences and perspectives of people with larger bodies directly inform our research priorities and future activities.
Initial PPIE work was led by Dr Fay Manning and supported through the University of Exeter Public Engagement with Research (PER) Springboard Fund. This work provided opportunities for people with lived experience to share their perspectives on accessing radiography services and helped identify areas requiring further research and development.
Building on this foundation, additional funding from the University of Exeter Medical Imaging Department’s Dragon’s Den scheme enabled us to expand our engagement activities to include a wider range of stakeholders. Through workshops and discussions involving patients, radiographers, educators, and other healthcare professionals, we explored priorities for service improvement, education, and future research.
A key focus of this stakeholder work has been the co-design of future research programmes and funding applications, ensuring that proposed projects are grounded in both lived experience and clinical practice. These collaborative discussions have helped shape the direction of the next phase of the LBinRAD programme.
To date, much of this work has focused on diagnostic radiography services. We are now extending these activities into radiotherapy, working with stakeholders to better understand experiences and priorities within this specialty and to inform future research and educational initiatives.
The continued involvement of patients, public contributors, practitioners, and educators remains essential to our goal of improving experiences and outcomes for people with larger bodies across radiography services.
This version presents the PPIE work as an ongoing programme rather than a completed activity, highlights both funding streams, brings in the stakeholder engagement element, and provides a natural bridge into the forthcoming radiotherapy-focused phase.
Educational Interventions
Building on the findings from the survey study and PPIE activities, the project is now focused on developing educational approaches to better prepare future radiographers to provide inclusive, equitable, and person-centred care for people with larger bodies.
Researchers at the University of Exeter are working in partnership with colleagues at Keele University to explore the use of simulation-based learning activities for radiography students. This work aims to enhance student understanding of the experiences of people with larger bodies and support the development of compassionate, inclusive clinical practice.
Early outputs from this ongoing work have been presented at UKIO 2026, and the team is actively seeking funding opportunities to further develop, implement, and evaluate these educational interventions.
Looking Ahead
The long-term vision of the LBinRAD programme is to improve experiences and outcomes for people with larger bodies within radiography services. Through continued collaboration with patients, students, educators, clinicians, and researchers, we aim to develop evidence-based educational resources and interventions that support high-quality, inclusive radiography care for all.