Sonographer wellbeing in Australia: Perceptions of job demands and resources in clinical working environments

Abstract

Introduction: The concept that job characteristics can have a profound impact on employee wellbeing has been well documented. This manuscript aims to highlight the job demands and resources experienced by Australian sonographers, and those resources perceived to be the most effective at improving workplace wellbeing. Methods: Utilising the Job Demands-Resources Model, a national survey was issued to Australian sonographers in both public and private clinical working environments. The quantitative and qualitative data collected were analysed using non-parametric tests of association as well as inductive coding of themes. Results: Sixty-nine participants responded to the survey with 27 participants (39%) reporting moderate levels of job satisfaction. Workplace demands of unrealistic workloads, time pressures, and inadequate scheduled breaks were reported as the most frequently experienced demand by 67 participants (97%). Twenty-four participants (35%) reported no access to any form of resource or strategy for improving wellbeing in the workplace and a further nine indicated they utilised entirely self-driven resources. Workload reduction strategies were perceived to be the most consistently effective yet were the least accessible strategy for sonographers. Other strategies including psychology sessions, physical therapies, and injury prevention were perceived to be more accessible, yet minimally effective. Conclusion: New legislation in the management of psychosocial hazards at work is likely to generate positive changes. Further research establishing an acceptable workload for sonographers, introducing job crafting, and improving sonographer recognition would prove to be the most fruitful.