The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the mental health and work morale of radiographers within a conventional X-ray department

Abstract

Introduction: There is a plethora of literature that has described the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of healthcare staff worldwide. Our aim was to investigate the physical and mental demands of mobile x-ray imaging on radiographers during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, within a local NHS Trust. Methods: A total of 16 participants from 1 NHS Trust took part within this study. Both quantitative and qualitative data was obtained through an online survey. Statistical data was obtained via the Trust Radiology Information System (RIS). Data was gathered for the thirteen weeks from 23rd March to 21st June 2020 (the first wave); direct comparison was made to the same period in 2019. Results: Three key themes emerged from the data. These include mental health challenges/work morale in Radiology, demand of mobile imaging and departmental and Trust-wide mental health support. Results indicate a high demand in mobile imaging which has made a significant difference in the working life of some radiographers. Conclusion:The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the mental health of a proportion of radiographers at this Trust. Results indicate high workload and demand in mobile imaging has made a significant difference to the working life of radiographers, specifically the ones who were relatively newly qualified. Implications for practice: Two key interventions are proposed from this study. The first one is to provide and promote mental health support within radiology departments. The second is to encourage dual working on mobile x-ray examinations to help manage the emotional and physical burden.

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

“…54e56 The healthcare workforce has to balance strict measures to protect both patients, colleagues, and the general public from contracting COVID-19, while not compromising on the access, availability and quality of healthcare service. 57,58,65,67 These demands have placed a toll on the healthcare workforce worldwide.…”

The impact of spiritual leadership on workplace spirituality in the light the COVID-19 pandemic in the governmental health sector

“…The media contributed to increase anxiety among people. Yasin et al (2021) argue that the media have contributed to raise the state of anxiety that workers in the health sector face. This indicates that both traditional and social media can generate anxiety, stress and depression (Holmes et al, 2020;Rubin and Wessely, 2020).…”

“…The media contributed to increase anxiety among people. Yasin et al. (2021) argue that the media have contributed to raise the state of anxiety that workers in the health sector face.…”

The impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of radiography staff and managers in Northern Ireland, UK: The radiography managers' perspective

“…One example of this was the continuously changing guidance regarding PPE in the initial stage of the pandemic, which increased fear and anxiety levels for radiographers. 5,30 At this time, managers often had to make unpopular decisions regarding restructuring of services which had a significant impact on staff morale. 3,31 Managers felt that staff trust in their ability to lead was deeply impacted by both of these phenomena.…”

“…37 However, since the pandemic, studies have indicated mixed findings with regard to healthcare professionals (including radiographers) accessing support services noting some reluctance still to utilise the more 'stigmatised' mental health services. 30,38,39 It is possible that managers are unaware of the extent to which their staff utilise these services and therefore underestimate their importance to their staff. Local audits of support services accessed by radiographers should be undertaken regularly to explore which support services are being accessed most frequently and considered most beneficial to radiographers to ensure optimal uptake of these services.…”