Job satisfaction among general radiographers and assistant practitioners: a mixed-methods survey

Abstract

Background/Aims Maintaining staff satisfaction is a major ambition for healthcare leaders worldwide, as it is directly linked with patient outcomes. Despite this, there is a dearth of literature on the job satisfaction of radiographers. This study aimed to explore the job satisfaction and role perceptions of radiographers and assistant practitioners at a local district general hospital. Methods All radiographers and assistant practitioners (n=39) working in the general X-ray department of a small-medium sized NHS trust were invited to complete either an online or physical copy of a semi-structured, mixed-methods questionnaire regarding their job satisfaction and perceptions of their role. Items included quantitative (multiple choice) and qualitative (free-text) questions. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics while qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. Results A total of 21 individuals completed the questionnaire, giving a 53.8% response rate. The mean score for happiness in their current role was fairly high at 7.3/10, but staff with more experience had lower average happiness scores relating to their role and working hours. Respondents were confident working in most clinical areas, including mobile units, but lacked confidence working in computed tomography and fluoroscopy. Conclusions Strategies are needed to understand and address issues that may be causing more experienced radiography staff to experience less happiness in their job role. Lack of experience in computed tomography and fluoroscopy also needs to be addressed, possibly by ensuring that radiography staff regularly work in these areas to build their confidence.