Occupational health challenges in radiography: A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analytic approach

IF 2.5 Q2 RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE & MEDICAL IMAGING

Radiography Pub Date : 2025-04-18 DOI:10.1016/j.radi.2025.102955

D. Shettigar , S. Sukumar , A. Pradhan , W. Dkhar , P.S. Paramashiva , V. K , B. Chandrasekaran , H.P. Palaniswamy , H.J. Felix , A. Shazli , S. Ravichandran , S.S. Muthu , K. Kamath

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Introduction

Radiographers play a pivotal role in healthcare but face significant occupational health challenges, including work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs), burnout, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. These challenges, influenced by high workloads and inadequate ergonomics, compromise their well-being and job performance. This study aims to assess the prevalence of these health outcomes and evaluate the role of workplace factors in mitigating or exacerbating these issues.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted per PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Literature searches across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase included quantitative studies published from 2014 to 2024. Data on prevalence, outcomes, and measurement tools were extracted, and a random-effects model was used to estimate pooled prevalence. Risk of bias was assessed with the ROBINS-E tool.

Results

From 1080 records, 14 studies met inclusion criteria. WRMSDs were reported by 85 % (95 % CI: 74–95) of radiographers, with the neck (73 %) and lower back (67 %) being the most affected regions. Burnout prevalence included emotional exhaustion at 29.8 % (95 % CI: 19.8–39.8). Chronic fatigue and sleep disturbances were strongly linked to extended shifts and poor ergonomics. Protective factors included professional recognition and workplace ergonomic interventions.

Conclusion

Radiographers are disproportionately affected by physical and psychological health risks. Addressing these through enhanced workplace ergonomics, stress management, and workload balancing is imperative to improving their quality of life and job performance.

Implications for practice

Implementing ergonomic training, fostering professional recognition, and reducing workloads are crucial for sustainable radiography practices. Policy reforms and workplace interventions can significantly improve radiographers' health, ensuring better job satisfaction and retention.

查看原文本刊更多论文

放射摄影中的职业健康挑战：一个全面的系统回顾和荟萃分析方法

导语：放射技师在医疗保健中发挥着关键作用，但也面临着重大的职业健康挑战，包括与工作相关的肌肉骨骼疾病（WRMSDs）、倦怠、疲劳和睡眠障碍。这些挑战，受高工作量和不充分的人体工程学的影响，损害了他们的福祉和工作绩效。本研究旨在评估这些健康结果的普遍性，并评估工作场所因素在减轻或加剧这些问题方面的作用。方法根据PRISMA 2020指南进行系统评价和荟萃分析。PubMed、Scopus、Web of Science和Embase的文献检索包括2014年至2024年发表的定量研究。提取有关患病率、结果和测量工具的数据，并使用随机效应模型来估计合并患病率。使用ROBINS-E工具评估偏倚风险。结果1080份文献中，14项研究符合纳入标准。85% （95% CI: 74-95）的放射技师报告了wrmsd，其中颈部（73%）和下背部（67%）是受影响最大的区域。倦怠患病率包括29.8%的情绪衰竭（95% CI: 19.8-39.8）。慢性疲劳和睡眠障碍与长时间轮班和糟糕的人体工程学密切相关。保护因素包括专业认可和工作场所人体工程学干预。结论放射技师受到生理和心理健康风险的影响不成比例。通过加强工作场所的人体工程学、压力管理和工作量平衡来解决这些问题，对于提高他们的生活质量和工作表现是必不可少的。实施人体工程学培训、培养专业认可度和减少工作量对可持续的放射学实践至关重要。政策改革和工作场所干预可以显著改善放射技师的健康状况，确保更好的工作满意度和留任率。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Radiography RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE & MEDICAL IMAGING-

CiteScore

4.70

自引率

34.60%

发文量

169

审稿时长

63 days

期刊介绍： Radiography is an International, English language, peer-reviewed journal of diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy. Radiography is the official professional journal of the College of Radiographers and is published quarterly. Radiography aims to publish the highest quality material, both clinical and scientific, on all aspects of diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy and oncology.