Purpose: Our study examines the challenges that radiologic technologists faced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and seeks to better understand their perspectives on topics such as PPE adequacy, financial distress, and mental health.
Materials and Methods: A 36-question anonymous web-based survey was distributed to members of the ASRT and the SBI between July and August 2021. Information was collected from 565 respondents from all 50 states, mostly technologists (528/8880, 6% response rate). Of these, 107 (20%) were in mammography. A Financial Loss Score was created from responses to 17 questions (maximum score of 14) regarding how COVID-19 affected technologists’ finances, and a Psychological Distress Score was created from responses to 7 questions (maximum score 7) regarding new mental health issues that arose since the onset of the pandemic. The remaining answer choices were presented in a Likert scale format.
Results: Technologists’ Financial Loss Score was most affected by decreased work hours (55/107, 51%), changed schedule (52/107, 49%), and being furloughed (28/107, 26%). The mammography group’s Financial Loss Score (2.21 ± 1.90) was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than the general group (1.45 ± 1.79).
The Psychological Distress Score was most affected by anxiety (68/107, 64%), sleep problems (44/107, 41%), and anger (37/107, 35%). There was no significant difference between the scores of the mammography group (2.25 ± 1.87) and the general group (2.56 ± 1.90). Of the 107 mammography technologists, 79% (85/107) reported new mental health issues, similar to that of the general group (88/107, 83%).
Missing PPE was reported by 57% (61/107) of mammography technologists and by 62% of the general group (283/458). In the mammography group, the most frequently reported missing items included masks (48/107, 45%), cleaning equipment (27/107, 25%), and gowns (15%, 16/107). 83% (89/107) of mammography technologists responded that no additional time was allotted for exams and 75% of general technologists reported this (322/430).
Conclusion: Experiences and challenges that technologists faced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic included high levels of missing PPE, lack of increased time for exams, and new mental health issues. While both mammography and non-mammography technologists experienced lack of PPE, increased mental health issues, and similar Psychological Distress Scores, mammography technologists experienced significantly higher levels of financial loss.
Clinical Relevance Statement: Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, radiologic technologists performed studies on patients despite multiple challenges. Our study examines the effect of these challenges on technologists, focusing on those in mammography, to better understand their experiences in order to improve future technologist safety and well-being.
