Risk of burnout among radiographers in a large tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objective: Radiographers are known to be at increased risk of burnout due to the emotionally taxing interactions that they have with their patients on a daily basis. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of burnout among radiographers in a large tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional study using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS). This tool has been extensively tested and validated. 150 full-time radiographers at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were invited. Trainees, interns and on job trainees (OJT) were excluded to ensure sample homogeneity.
Results: 150 participants were invited to participate in the questionnaire with response rate 142 (95%). 70 participants (49%) were male and 72 (51%) female. Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey subscale results: The mean (± SD) score for emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal accomplishment were 21.44 (± 13.0), 8.12 (± 6.99) and 35.63 (± 8.59) respectively. Moderate to high risk of burnout for emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal accomplishment were reported in 67%, 52% and 58% of participants respectively.
Conclusions: 67% of radiographers were at moderate to high risk of burnout for emotional exhaustion, 52% for depersonalization and 58% for personal accomplishment. Policymakers should take necessary steps to recognize factors contributing to staff burnout and take appropriate steps to improve the work environment.