Radiology is one of the few medical specialties that allow for location flexibility, but what clinicians gain in the convenience of working from home, they lose in the form fulfillment that only physical presence can offer, some argue.
Remote shifts in radiology were critical during the height of COVID when social distancing and other mitigation tactics were deployed to curb spread of the virus. Those shifts were so well received that many have pushed to make remote shifts a permanent staple of the practice due to the numerous benefits they offer.
But not so fast, say the authors of a new paper published in the American Journal of Roentgenology. Co-authors Andrew C. Sher, MD and Marla B.K. Sammer, MD, MHA, both with the Department of Radiology at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, contend that physical presence in the workplace trumps teleradiology.
“As medical society meetings have returned to in-person attendance following virtual meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the in-person attendees have expressed joy and excitement. These positive sentiments reflect widely accepted human benefits from in-person interactions,” the authors stated.
Sher and Sammer acknowledge that the flexibility of remote work is an undeniable benefit, but they believe that clocking in virtually denies radiologists professional, educational and social fulfillment.
Professional
Touching first on professional fulfillment, the authors note that for many, being seen in-person by administrators, service directors and other professional leaders is vital for career advancement. In-person shifts also allow radiologists opportunities to participate in imaging procedures and to collaborate with other physicians as needed. These relationships increase quality of care and are valuable for patients, physicians and entire practices, the authors indicated.
Educational
Radiology trainees are especially vulnerable when it comes to remote work, as it can lead to many missed learning opportunities. Working in person has the benefit of providing more opportunities for instruction, particularly in procedural capacities. When trainees are physically present to work alongside seasoned radiologists, they benefit from observing how to communicate effectively and collaborate with physicians, techs and other personnel. In-person shifts also allow for immediate and direct feedback from superiors.
Social
The authors maintain that social well-being requires human interaction and connection, and that absence of these things could potentially lead to isolation and eventually burnout for some.
They stated that “Although the long-term impact on social wellbeing of working virtually compared to working in-person is not yet fully understood, physical presence is likely to be conducive to establishing connectedness.”
One size does not fit all
While the benefits of working from home are well documented, the authors suggested that when deciding on how to operate a practice and what shifts to offer cannot be done with a one-size-fits-all mentality, and that the needs of all parties, including patients, should be taken into consideration.
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.