Workplace experiences of diagnostic radiographers, on job satisfaction and staff retention in the public health sector in Lusaka District of Zambia

Abstract

Background: Zambia’s healthcare workforce is reportedly inadequate for the country’s healthcare needs. This stems from healthcare professionals, particularly radiographers, exiting the public health sector for non-governmental organizations or other countries with attractive conditions of service. This study is required to explore and describe the workplace experiences of public health sector radiographers in the province of Lusaka in Zambia and to examine how these experiences influence job satisfaction and staff retention. Methods: The study used a qualitative research design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data from 20 purposively selected public service radiographers, working in the Lusaka district of Zambia. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed by themes. Results: Five themes emerged: physical work environment, remunerations and rewards, staff workloads, leadership and supervision, and professional development. This study established that participants appreciate their physical work environment which constitutes modern and various imaging equipment.  However, the majority of the participants expressed dissatisfaction with their workplace experiences owing to inadequate workspaces, inadequate salaries, a lack of incentives and rewards, increased workloads and inflexible work schedules, unapproved leadership style, lack of performance recognition and support for continuing professional development. Conclusion: The study findings provided information on the deficiencies within public service radiographers’ work environment. To enhance job satisfaction and retention, the employer needs to address the challenges being experienced by the radiographers.