The effect of occupational stress on daignostic imaging radiographers in rendering quality service

Abstract

Radiography is acknowledged to be a stressful occupation. In Malta evidence to support this claim is limited due to the lack of valid and reliable research done in this area. Research also suggests that high levels of stress are not healthy for individuals. The environment in which diagnostic radiographers work consists of various situations that radiographers perceive as stressful. This led the student researcher to carry out a small-scale study to explore the sources of occupational stress among diagnostic radiographers working at St. Luke's hospital. A descriptive, cross-sectional design was carried out using quantitative data obtained through self-administered questionnaires. A convenience sample of 53 radiographers participated in the study. The sources, which the radiographers perceived more stressful, were identified along with the levels of stress. The findings indicate that workload was found to be the most highly perceived source of stress followed by patient complaints. Some perceived sources of stress were found to be related to gender and years of employment. On the whole the majority of radiographers were found to have a normal level of occupational stress. The project includes a discussion of findings which were then used to draw up recommendations in order to reduce occupational stress among diagnostic radiographers.