Overworked and inadequately trained, many x-ray managers are in 'an untenable position'
Many x-ray managers report feeling overworked and undertrained to properly carry out the many duties entrusted to them.
That’s according to new survey data from one of the oldest radiography organizations in the world, the Society of Radiographers—a trade union and professional body for the diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy workforce in the U.K. Their data indicate that out of 200 respondents, 40% of x-ray managers in that region are tasked with managing 30 or more employees, while more than half are accountable for 20 or more.
What’s more concerning is that 45% of respondents (all of whom held a managerial position) report having never received any proper training on management practices from their organizations. Given all that these managers are held responsible for—managing schedules and absences, inventory, employee well-being, credentialing, compliance, etc.—the Society of Radiographers (SoR) suggests that managers are put in “an untenable position” without appropriate guidance from their institutional leaders.
"This survey has uncovered some uncomfortable truths and highlighted some systemic failures in organizations failing to support their managers. The expectations put on our manager members are higher than ever,” the SoR said in a statement.
Complicating the issue further, many respondents reported having to include clinical duties in their juggling of responsibilities, as short staffing continues to plague imaging departments worldwide. Additionally, respondents implied that HR advisors were of little assistance when these issues were brought to their attention. Most x-ray mangers come from clinical backgrounds that do not typically include management curriculum, therefor it is beneficial for HR personnel to to assist in filling in these gaps, the society suggested.
“When this support is either absent or found wanting, the results can be devastating leading to poor management decisions that can destroy or seriously damage the working relationship with their staff,” the SoR commented.
The society added that they have developed a network to engage managers, one that will “bridge the gap” by providing support and training to those who sign up.
For more insight from the survey, click here.
In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She joined Innovate Healthcare in 2021 and has since put her unique expertise to use in her editorial role with Health Imaging.