Burnout among Portuguese radiographers during the COVID-19 pandemic

[Burnout, anxiety, insomnia and depressive symptoms among French outpatient physicians in the second wave of COVID-19: Comparison between general practitioners and specialists]

INTRODUCTION

The 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a public health crisis worldwide. Concerns have been expressed about the rapid deterioration of mental health among primary care physicians among whom burnout already had a high prevalence prior to the pandemic. However, there is little data on private doctors during the pandemic. France experienced a second wave with a second lockdown. We aimed to assess and compare physicians' burnout, anxiety and depression symptoms and insomnia between general practitioners (GP) and all other private specialists during the second Covid-19 wave.

METHODS

We conducted an online survey of private practitioners registered on Doctolib® (n=32,655), the interface software most used by private practitioners for booking medical appointments in France. Doctors were invited by email to complete an online survey in November 2020. Inclusions were closed on 1st December. The 2nd lockdown lasted from 30th October to 15th December 2020. We used the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) to assess burnout syndrome. A mean score of>50 in at least one subscale defined burnout. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale assessed anxiety and depression symptoms. We used two cut-offs, 8 (>7) and 11 (>10), as both are validated in the ability to find cases. The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) measures sleep-related complaints among physicians (cut-off >7). To link variations in the psychological scales to the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the items asked explicitly whether participants considered that "the COVID-19 epidemic we are currently experiencing is a source of excess stress, psychological suffering or burnout". Approval for this study was obtained from the local institutional review board of the University of Paris-Saclay, France. The questionnaires were collected anonymously. Statistical significance was tested using the chi-square test and student's t-test to compare the prevalence between GPs and other specialities. Subsequently, logistic regression models were run for statistically significant associations.

RESULTS

1992 physicians replied, a response rate of 12.8% of those who received the invitation email. Among them, 79.4% suffered from psychological distress (symptoms of anxiety or depression or burnout), of which 71.3% suffered from burnout, 26.7% from depressive symptoms, 58.9% from anxiety symptoms and 45.8% from insomnia. There was no difference in gender between GPs and specialists, but there was an age difference (P<0.001). GPs had a higher prevalence of burnout (OR=1.33 CI95 [1.09;1.63]) and took more psychotropic drugs (1.38 CI95 [1.05;1.81]). They were also more likely to perceive their stress as work-related (OR=1.50 CI95 [1.23;1.81]) or COVID-19-related (OR=1.43 CI95 [1.16;1.77]).

CONCLUSION

Our study is the first to assess the mental health of private practitioners in the second wave in association with COVID-19 stress. Firstly, GPs who provide primary care have a significantly higher burnout rate than other doctors. Secondly, COVID-19 stress is associated with more significant psychological distress. Thirdly, almost 80% of the private doctors surveyed suffer from psychological pain, and 71% suffer from burnout. This study has strengths and limitations. Firstly, this study assesses mental health and stress related to its COVID-19 association. Second, this is the largest population of private physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic. The low response rate is the main limit of this study. The alarming rates of psychological distress among private doctors and, in particular, GPs should lead to intervention to help doctors reduce stress, burnout and other mental disorders. This study gives a picture of the situation during the second wave and the lock-in, and we need to be cautious with the next waves.

Absenteeism of Healthcare Personnel in the COVID-19 Era: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Implications for the Post-Pandemic Seasons

This systematic review aimed to assess COVID-19-associated absenteeism among healthcare personnel (HCP). PubMed was searched on 4 February 2023. Inclusion criteria were the presentation of original data on COVID-19-associated absenteeism among HCP. Exclusion criteria were absenteeism associated with burnout, mental health illness, post-COVID syndrome, or child-care. Nineteen articles were identified; fifteen concerned almost exclusively the first pandemic year. Hospitals accounted for most data. There was heterogeneity across studies in terms of presentation of absenteeism data. Before COVID-19 vaccines became available, COVID-19 was a major driver of HCP absenteeism with excess costs, while the mean duration of absenteeism ranged from 5.82 to 33 days per episode of absence. Determinant factors of absenteeism rates were department of employment, high-risk exposure, age, profession, and work experience of HCP, suspected COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 testing, SARS-CoV-2 positivity, and return-to-work strategy. Two studies demonstrated that COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduced the burden of absenteeism. Routine testing of asymptomatic HCP and use of personal protective equipment also significantly ameliorated absenteeism. In conclusion, COVID-19 has been a major driver of HCP absenteeism. Research is needed to assess how COVID-19 will impact HCP in the next years, considering the new SARS-CoV-2 variants, the co-circulation of other respiratory viruses, and the newer COVID-19 vaccines. Networks are needed to survey morbidity and absenteeism among HCP in real-time and guide vaccination policies.

The evolution of mandatory continuing professional development (CPD) for diagnostic radiographers in Ireland - A longitudinal study

INTRODUCTION

This longitudinal research study reports on aspects of CPD immediately before and in the years following the simultaneous introduction of state registration and mandatory CPD for diagnostic radiographers in Ireland.

METHODS

Surveys captured information through closed and open questions distributed nationally across various hospital types in hard copy and online formats. Opinion was gathered over 8-years at three time points, prior to the introduction of mandated changes, post-introduction at the end of the first audit cycle, and as society was emerging from a period of pandemic.

RESULTS

Responses were received across age and grade ranges with response rates in keeping with previous surveys. The overall importance with which radiographers held CPD decreased over time, and while small changes were seen, the narrow focus of what radiographers considered CPD had stayed the same, with attendance-based activities remaining the most popular. Respondents indicated that their enthusiasm for undertaking CPD and willingness to undertake CPD outside of working hours had also decreased, with the perceived primary barrier to CPD shifting from funding to time.

CONCLUSIONS

An appetite to undertake CPD amongst the majority is evident; however, addressing issues such as decreasing importance levels and willingness to use personal time for CPD is crucial. While the perceived cost of CPD has lessened as a barrier, lack of time for CPD is now a principal concern. Further research is recommended to explore the broader impacts of time pressures and optimises CPD for radiographers.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Findings highlight the need for collaborative engagement and support to optimise CPD opportunities for all radiographers in the future.

Pandemic preparedness of diagnostic radiographers during COVID-19: A scoping review

INTRODUCTION

As chest imaging is a tool for detecting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), diagnostic radiographers are a key component of the frontline workforce. Due to its unforeseen nature, COVID-19 has challenged radiographers' preparedness in combating its effects. Despite its importance, literature specifically investigating radiographers' readiness is limited. However, the documented experiences are prognostic of pandemic preparedness. Hence, this study aimed to map this literature by addressing the question: 'what does the existing literature reveal about the pandemic preparedness of diagnostic radiographers during COVID-19?'.

METHODS

Using Arksey and O'Malley's framework, this scoping review searched for empirical studies in MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and CINAHL. Consequently, 970 studies were yielded and underwent processes of deduplication, title and abstract screening, full-text screening, and backward citation searching. Forty-four articles were deemed eligible for data extraction and analysis.

RESULTS

Four themes that reflected pandemic preparedness were extrapolated: infection control and prevention, knowledge and education, clinical workflow, and mental health. Notably, the findings highlighted pronounced trends in adaptation of infection protocols, adequate infection knowledge, and pandemic-related fears. However, inconsistencies in the provision of personal protective equipment, training, and psychological support were revealed.

CONCLUSION

Literature suggests that radiographers are equipped with infection knowledge, but the changing work arrangements and varied availability of training and protective equipment weakens their preparedness. The disparate access to resources facilitated uncertainty, affecting radiographers' mental health.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

By reiterating the current strengths and weaknesses in pandemic preparedness, the findings can guide clinical practice and future research to correct inadequacies in infrastructure, education, and mental health support for radiographers in the current and future disease outbreaks.

Infection control knowledge and practices among radiographers at government hospitals in the Gaza Strip-Palestine: A cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Infections acquired in hospitals are a major concern for patients, professionals and policymakers. They have an impact on the morbidity and mortality rates, length of stay, and microbial resistance. Radiology departments are at high risk for nosocomial infections, and radiographers must adhere to infection control protocols to avoid contracting illnesses and the spread of pathogens. The purpose of this study was to assess radiographers' knowledge and practise of infection control and standard precautions in the Gaza Strip-Palestine government hospitals and to identify the factors that impede radiographers' implementation of infection control.

METHODS

A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study design was applied. A self-administered questionnaire survey with 24 items was developed and distributed to examine radiographers' knowledge and practise of nosocomial infections control and standard precautions from September 2019 to February 2020. Descriptive and inferential statistics were generated using SPSS version 20.

RESULTS

With a response rate of 86.6%, 73 males and 37 females out of a total of 127 radiographers participated in this study. The vast majority of radiographers, 86 (78.2%), have never been trained in infection control. Total levels of knowledge and practise were 74.4% and 65.2%, respectively which corresponded to moderate levels. Age had a statistically significant impact on both knowledge and practise scores (P = 0.002 and p = 0.019, respectively). In addition, the differences between radiographers' years of work experience and their ratings on knowledge and practise were statistically significant (P = 0.001 and p = 0.011, respectively). A heavy workload, insufficient time, and a lack of training were the main barriers to implementing infection control measures in hospitals.

CONCLUSION

Palestinian radiographers reported a moderate level of knowledge and practise of infection control. The majority of radiographers have never had formal infection control training.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

This paper has highlighted the need for a continuing education and training programme for practising radiographers to improve their performance in infection control measures.

A qualitative analysis of radiography students' reflective essays regarding their experience of clinical placement during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted healthcare services and clinical placement for healthcare students. There is a paucity of qualitative research into radiography students' experiences of clinical placement during the pandemic.

METHOD

Students in stages three and four of a 4-year BSc Radiography degree in Ireland wrote reflective essays regarding their experience of clinical placement during the COVID-19 healthcare crisis. Permission was granted by 108 radiography students and recent graduates for their reflections to be analysed as part of this study. A thematic approach to data analysis was used, allowing themes to emerge from the reflective essays. Two researchers independently coded each reflective essay using the Braun and Clarke model.

RESULTS

Four themes were highlighted; 1) Challenges associated with undertaking clinical placement during the pandemic, such as reduced patient throughput and PPE-related communication barriers; 2) Benefits of clinical placement during the pandemic, in terms of personal and professional development and completing degree requirements to graduate without delay; 3) Emotional impact and 4) Supporting students in clinical practice. Students recognised their resilience and felt proud of their contribution during this healthcare crisis but feared transmitting COVID-19 to family. Educational and emotional support provided by tutors, clinical staff and the university was deemed essential by students during this placement.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the pressure hospitals were under during the pandemic, students had positive clinical placement experiences and perceived these experiences to have contributed to their professional and personal growth.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

This study supports the argument for clinical placements to continue throughout healthcare crisis periods, albeit with additional learning and emotional support in place. Clinical placement experiences during the pandemic prompted a deep sense of pride amongst radiography students in their profession and contributed to the development of professional identity.

Supporting radiography clinical placements in Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic: The practice educators perspective

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted healthcare services and the clinical learning environment. Several studies have investigated radiography students' experiences of clinical placement during the pandemic; however, few have investigated the Clinical Practice Educator's (CPEs) perspective. CPEs play a pivotal role in supporting clinical education.

METHOD

A qualitative study was conducted using a purposeful sample of twenty-two CPEs, each working in a different Irish hospital. Four semi-structured focus groups were used to gather data. To maintain reasonable homogeneity, CPEs who were new to the role (n = 8) were assigned a separate focus group from experienced CPEs (n = 14). Inductive thematic analysis was applied.

RESULTS

CPEs experienced role expansion, particularly in managerial and administrative aspects of the role. They described arranging COVID-19 vaccinations locally for radiography students and the complexities of student rostering during the pandemic. CPEs perceived the pandemic to have impacted students' emotional wellbeing with 'high anxiety levels' and 'loneliness' being reported. They also perceived issues with clinical readiness and the student transition to clinical practice. Many challenges were faced by CPEs including arranging clinical recovery time for numerous students when sites were already at full capacity, fewer learning opportunities due to decreased patient throughput and range of imaging examinations, social distancing constraints, resistance from staff to student placements, and a shortage of staff for student supervision. Flexibility, communication, and multi-level support helped CPEs to fulfil their role.

CONCLUSION

The results provide insight into how CPEs supported radiography clinical placements during the pandemic and into the challenges faced by CPEs in their role. CPEs supported student placement through multi-level communication, teamwork, flexibility, and student advocacy.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

This will aid understanding of the support mechanisms needed by CPEs to provide quality clinical placements.

Burnout and occupational stress among Hungarian radiographers working in emergency and non-emergency departments during COVID-19 pandemic

INTRODUCTION

The increased workload caused by the coronavirus pandemic may have had a significant impact on the mental health of radiographers. The aim of our study was to investigate burnout and occupational stress in radiographers working in emergency departments (ED) and non-emergency departments (NED).

METHODS

Quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive research was carried out among radiographers working in the public health sector in Hungary. Due to the cross-sectional nature of our survey, there was no overlap between the ED and NED groups. For data collection, we used simultaneously the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), the Effort-Reward Imbalance questionnaire (ERI), and our self-designed questionnaire.

RESULTS

We excluded incomplete questionnaires from our survey; finally, 439 responses were evaluated. Significantly higher scores for depersonalisation (DP; 8.43 (SD = 6.69) vs. 5.63 (SD = 4.21) and emotional exhaustion (EE; 25.07 (SD = 11.41) vs. 19.72 (SD = 11.72)) were observed in radiographers working in ED (p = 0.001; p = 0.001) when compared to NED. Male radiographers working in ED aged 20-29 and 30-39 years with experience of 1-9 years were more affected by DP (p ≤ 0.05). Worrying about one's own health had a negative effect on DP and EE (p ≤ 0.05). Having close friend with a COVID-19 infection had a negative effect on EE (p ≤ 0.05); not being infected with coronavirus, not being quarantined and relocating within the workplace had a positive effect on personal accomplishment (PA); radiographers who were 50 years or older with 20-29 years of experience were more affected by depersonalisation (DP); and those who worried about their health had significantly higher stress scores (p ≤ 0.05) in both ED and NED settings.

CONCLUSION

Male radiographers at the beginning of their careers were more affected by burnout. Employment in EDs had a negative impact on DP and EE.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Our results support the implementation of interventions to counter the effects of occupational stress and burnout among radiographers working in ED.

Burnout among oncologists, nurses, and radiographers working in oncology patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic

INTRODUCTION

Oncology care professionals are exposed to high levels of stress that can lead to burnout. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of burnout among nurses, oncologists and radiographers working in oncology patient care during the COVID -19 pandemic.

METHODS

Our electronic questionnaire was sent to e-mail contacts registered in the system of the Hungarian Society of Oncologists and to all oncology staff via an internal information system in each cancer center. Burnout was measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory, which measures depersonalization (DP), emotional exhaustion (EE), and personal accomplishment (PA). Demographic and work-related characteristics were collected in our self-designed questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, two-sample t-tests, analyzes of variance, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 205 oncology care workers' responses were analyzed. Oncologists (n = 75) were found to be significantly more committed to DP and EE (p = 0.001; p = 0.001). Working more than 50 h per week and being on-call had a negative effect on the EE dimension (p = 0.001; p = 0.003). Coming up with the idea of working abroad had a negative effect on all three dimensions of burnout (p ≤ 0.05). Respondents who did not leave their job due to their current life situation had significantly higher DE, EE, and lower PA (p ≤ 0.05). Intention to leave current profession was specific in (n = 24/78; 30.8%) of nurses (p = 0.012).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that male gender, being an oncologist, working more than 50 h per week and taking on call duties have a negative impact on individual burnout. Future measures to prevent burnout should be integrated into the professionals' work environment, regardless of the impact of the current pandemic.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Prevention and oncopsychological training should be developed gradually at the organisational or personal level to avoid early burnout of professionals.

TWO YEARS ON AND FOUR WAVES LATER- JOHANNESBURG DIAGNOSTIC RADIOGRAPHERS’ EXPERIENCES OF COVID-19

Introduction

At the onset of COVID-19 diagnostic radiographers from Gauteng, South Africa, shared their experiences of the new workflow and operations, their well-being and their resilience during this time. They experienced emotional, physical and financial fatigue. It is now over two years later, and South Africa has experienced four waves of COVID-19. Therefore, this study explored diagnostic radiographers' experience of COVID-19 after two years and four waves.

Methods

A qualitative explorative, descriptive and contextual study was conducted collecting data through nine virtual individual in-depth interviews. Responses from the diagnostic radiographers in Johannesburg, Gauteng South Africa, underwent thematic analysis.

Results

Thematic analysis revealed two themes and related categories. Theme one: participants shared synchronistic experiences with the four COVID-19 waves, the heterogeneous vaccination ideologies and their support and coping skills. Theme two: lessons learnt and the way forward.

Conclusion

Participants shared feeling overwhelmed at the onset of COVID-19 and feared infecting their family, friends and colleagues. However, their anxiety and fear decreased with time. They experienced the Delta variant as the worst and felt supported by their colleagues more than by management. They recounted observations of vaccine hesitancy but acknowledged that vaccination had alleviated some of the fear and anxiety. Participants' coping skills varied, and reflecting on their experience, they shared the lessons learnt and the way forward.

Assessment of job satisfaction, lifestyle behaviors, and occupational burnout symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic among radiologic technologists in Saudi Arabia

INTRODUCTION

Radiologic technologists (RTs) are among the healthcare staff negatively impacted by job dissatisfaction, occupational stress, and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to assess job satisfaction, lifestyle behaviors, occupational burnout symptoms, and associated factors among RTs in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

A survey study was conducted from January 2021 to February 2022 using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire gathered socio-demographic information, answers to the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire, lifestyle behaviors, and frequency of occupational burnout symptoms. Data were analyzed to obtain descriptive and inferential statistics.

RESULTS

A total of 261 RTs completed the survey. Participants were predominantly male and most were working in public hospitals. The overall mean score for job satisfaction was 3.77 (of 5), indicating moderate job satisfaction, with two items showing low satisfaction- compensation (3.33) and advancement (3.28). The overall mean score for lifestyle behaviors was 2.00 (of 3), indicating moderate lifestyle behaviors, with the lowest scores reported in sleep quality (1.92), healthy diet (1.85), and relaxing and unwinding (1.86). For burnout symptoms, the overall mean score was 2.30, indicating moderate burnout level, with the highest score reported in experiencing physical symptoms (2.72). There were significant relationships between job satisfaction, lifestyle behaviors and burnout symptoms. A positive and moderate relationship, r = 0.53 (p < 0.05), was found between job satisfaction and healthy lifestyle behaviors. The burnout relationships with job satisfaction, r = -0.615 (p < 0.05), and healthy lifestyle behaviors, r = -0.524 (p < 0.05), were negative and moderate relationships CONCLUSION: The interrelationships between job satisfaction, lifestyle behaviors, and occupational burnout symptoms suggest that improving lifestyle behaviors and managing burnout symptoms could contribute to higher job satisfaction.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Policymakers should focus their efforts in the workplace health promotion programs to play essential roles in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors and occupational stress management, as well as, improvements of RTs career advancement and compensation.

Sickness absenteeism of Primary Health Care professionals before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVE

to identify the frequency of occurrence of sickness absenteeism, according to the profile of Primary Health Care (PHC) professionals, and verify if there was an impact of the pandemic on absence duration and reason.

METHODS

a cross-sectional study, from January/2019 to December/2020, with PHC professionals from a municipality in northeastern São Paulo. Descriptive statistics were performed, with frequency calculation.

RESULTS

of the 977 PHC professionals, 633 (64.79%) used a medical certificate to justify their absence from work in 2019, and 837 (85.67%) in 2020. The main reason for leave was diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue in the two years. The mean duration of leave was 7.33 days (SD=17.33) in 2019 and 9.88 days (SD=16.05) in 2020. Nursing assistants were the ones who took the most leave in both years.

CONCLUSIONS

there was an impact of the pandemic on absence duration and reason.

The impact of COVID-19 on the clinical experience and training of undergraduate Student radiographers internationally: The clinical tutors' perspective

Introduction

The impact on the clinical training and education of healthcare students by COVID-19 has been documented. However, the thoughts and experiences of clinical tutors (CTs) about radiography students attending for clinical training and education during this now elongated period beyond first recognition of the virus has not been explored. This paper will discuss data collected from CTs in the UK Devolved Nations (UKDN) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who were compared because of their similarities in delivery based on individual ‘rules of engagement’ devised by their various health departments.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical tutors' thoughts and experiences of supervising radiography students attending clinical placement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

The UK Devolved Nations (UKDN) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were selected for comparison on an international level as they are geographically distinct with a comparable population and education accredited/acknowledged by the Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR). Data was collected data from CTs across the UKDN and the UAE. The study used an online questionnaire (Google Forms) with closed questions in four themes including: students' experiences, impact on students' clinical placement, attitude of the clinical staff and the potential effects of COVID-19 on future graduates’ skills and competencies. Further data was gathered on the experience of CTs mentoring students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

Data were collected from 59 CTs (81%, n = 48) from UKDN and (19%, n = 11) UAE. Twenty-seven (46%) respondents reported that COVID-19 had a negative impact on clinical practical experience. However, 32 (54%) identified that COVID-19 had no impact on student supervision/feedback or on clinical achievements. Eleven (19%) respondents thought that students should not have been on clinical placement during the pandemic but a further 51% (n = 30) were happy with the students on placement and expressed willingness to delegate work to students. Interestingly, 58% (n = 34) of CTs suggested that future graduates may need a longer preceptorship after they graduate due to receiving decreased clinical experience during the pandemic. Overall, 78% (n = 46) of respondents thought that students improved their clinical confidence by working directly with COVID-19 positive patients.

Conclusion

The current study has identified conflicting opinions across CTs in different clinical departments. Whilst some felt that students should not be in the hospital during the pandemic, others reported that working directly with COVID-19 patients had a positive impact on students as it improved their clinical confidence. Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, CTs were able to provide direct clinical supervision and feedback to students on clinical placement throughout the pandemic. Nevertheless, future graduates may need a longer preceptorship period due to decreased clinical experience during the pandemic.

Implications for practice

Clinical placements should continue during subsequent COVID-19 waves of infection or future pandemics to ensure development of skills in resilience and adaptability. Underdeveloped skills due to a decreased range of examinations can be rectified when any wave of the infection subsides by providing tailored training based on individual student's needs.

The risk of burnout in academic radiographers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic created major challenges across society, healthcare provision and also for those delivering healthcare education programmes. Clinical placements were disrupted and, in many incidences cancelled. Higher education institutions were required to move completely to online delivery methods with little notice. This created significant additional workload, stress and the need to learn new skills at a time of great uncertainty. This study explored the risks of burnout in academic radiographers during the first 12 months of the pandemic.

Methods

A survey was circulated using SurveyMonkey™ via personal, national and international networks, including the European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS), to reach as many academic radiographers as possible. Disengagement and exhaustion were measured using the Oldenburg burnout inventory. Descriptive statistics and a one-way ANOVA were used to analyse the quantitative data using STATA V16 (Statacorp, TA).

Results

533 academic radiographers responded to the survey from 43 different countries. Mean disengagement was in the medium range and exhaustion was high for the total dataset. In a subset of countries with 10 or more responses, there was significant variation between countries, with the UK having highest mean exhaustion score and the UK, Ireland and France sharing the highest mean disengagement score. In the total dataset, 86% agreed workload had increased during the pandemic and 35% had considered leaving academia in the last year.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate the stark reality of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on academic radiographers’ workload, wellbeing, and intention to leave their roles.

Implications for practice

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on academic radiographers and this study highlights the urgent need for remedial measures to better support academic radiographers in order to ensure a sufficient, and sustainable workforce.

Absenteísmo-doença dos profissionais da Atenção Primária à Saúde antes e durante a pandemia de COVID-19

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar a frequência de ocorrência do absenteísmo-doença, de acordo com o perfil dos profissionais da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS), e verificar se houve impacto da pandemia na duração e motivos dos afastamentos. Métodos: estudo transversal, no período de janeiro/2019 a dezembro/2020, com os profissionais de APS de um município do nordeste do estado de São Paulo. Realizou-se estatística descritiva, com cálculo de frequências. Resultados: dos 977 profissionais da APS, 633 (64,79%) utilizaram o atestado médico para justificar sua ausência no trabalho em 2019, e 837 (85,67%), em 2020. O principal motivo dos afastamentos foi as doenças osteomusculares e do tecido conjuntivo nos dois anos. A duração média dos afastamentos foi de 7,33 dias (DP=17,33) em 2019 e de 9,88 dias (DP=16,05) em 2020. Os auxiliares de enfermagem foram os que mais se afastaram em ambos os anos. Conclusões: houve impacto da pandemia na duração e motivos dos afastamentos.

The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical radiography practice: A systematic literature review and recommendations for future services planning

INTRODUCTION

Worldwide, reports and experiences indicate that there has been extensive re-organisation within diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy departments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was necessary due to changes in workload and working practice guidelines that have evolved during the pandemic. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on radiography practice, service delivery and workforce wellbeing.

METHODS

A systematic review methodology was adopted to obtain data from primary studies of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods designs from databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature [CINAHL], and SCOPUS: all 2020 to present). The included articles were subjected to information extraction and results-based convergent synthesis.

RESULTS

The electronic database search yielded 10,420 articles after removal of duplicates. Of these, 31 articles met the final inclusion criteria with some (n = 8) fully focussed on radiotherapy workforce and service delivery. The pandemic impact on radiography practice is broadly themed around: training, communication, and information dissemination; infrastructure, technology, and clinical workflow; and workforce mental health and well-being.

CONCLUSION

Globally, most radiographers received inadequate training for managing COVID-19 patients during the initial acute phase of the pandemic. Additionally, there were significant changes to clinical practice, working patterns and perceived increase in workload due to surges in COVID-19 patients and the consequent strict adherence to new infection protocols. These changes, coupled with fear emanating from the increased risk of the workforce to contracting the infection, contributed to anxiety and workplace-related stress during the pandemic.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Local pandemic response strategies must be appropriately developed from standard protocols in readiness for safe clinical practice and well-being management training of practitioners.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy concerns: Findings from a Ghana clinical radiography workforce survey

Introduction

Vaccination is a key global strategy to mitigate the clinical impact of the COVID-19 virus. As part of local efforts to manage the outbreak, the government of Ghana announced its intention to vaccinate its population starting with essential and high-risk workers including radiographers. However, there were reports of hesitance to receiving the vaccine among the radiography workforce. This study was undertaken prior to the intended vaccination exercise to assess the willingness and concerns of radiographers to undergo the COVID-19 vaccination and to suggest recommendations to improve the vaccine uptake.

Methods

An ethically-approved online survey strategy was employed for this cross-sectional study conducted between 24th–28th February 2021. The survey employed quantitative questions and open text response options. Quantitative and open text responses were analysed using statistical and thematic analyses, respectively.

Results

There were 108 responses (response rate of 46.3%). The majority (n = 64, 59.3%) were willing to have the vaccine, however, some (n = 44, 40.7%) were not. The main reason behind their willingness to have the vaccine was its ability to reduce the spread of infections and lower mortality (n = 35, 54.7%). However, doubts about the vaccine's efficacy and side effects (n = 26, 56.8%), conspiracy theory concerns about its effects on the Ghanaian race (n = 4, 9.1%), and fertility concerns (n = 2, 4.5%) were some reasons for their hesitance to receive the vaccine. The open text commentary further revealed that the vaccine was thought of as a lifesaving medication, however, clinical safety concerns, lack of education/information and religious beliefs were affecting peoples' willingness to be vaccinated.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate the need for an urgent public health educational intervention to address the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy concerns raised by radiographers to help increase the vaccine uptake.

Implication for practice

The study provides pertinent information to improve COVID-19 vaccine uptake among radiographers to limit the spread of infections.

Transitioning into the workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic: Understanding the experiences of student diagnostic radiographers

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic, with associated pressures on healthcare services and workforce, had implications for final year Diagnostic Radiography students completing their training and transitioning into employment. The aim of this study was to explore their experience as novice practitioners starting work and integrating into the workforce during a time of national crisis.

Methods

Five early career Diagnostic Radiographers, eligible to join the temporary HCPC register, were recruited. One to one interviews were completed online exploring their thoughts, feelings and experiences. Participants had the option of using photographs to aid communication.

Results

Interviews were transcribed, emerging themes identified and coded. Four main themes emerged specifically related to the COVID-19 pandemic, (i) perceived challenges associated with joining the workforce, (ii) managing expectations and unexpected outcomes during transition, (iii) adapting to changes in systems and structures, (iv) sense of uncertainty relating to professional identity. The impacts were experienced beyond the work environment into social and personal lives. Participants demonstrated resilience as they adapted to their shifting lives and drew on the support of clinical colleagues and University academics for help. They did report feelings of concern and anxiety. The participants all expressed a sense of feeling valued and supported in their new roles.

Conclusion

The Pandemic was unprecedented and created uncertainty in terms of workforce requirements. This study highlights the personal impact and professional responses of novice practitioners, who felt a sense of duty and care to help support the NHS and others.

Implications for practice

This will help in the understanding of the transition of student into employment and what wider support needs to be in place prior, during and after this phase.