Abstract
Introduction
Occupational stress (OS) and burnout are prevalent in healthcare, including ultrasound. These challenges are exacerbated by staff shortages, increasing workload, and ageing population growth, leading to a growing reliance on ultrasound for diagnosis. In the UK, migrant sonographers fill critical staffing gaps but face unique work-related stressors that impact their well-being and mental health. This study explored the experiences and perspectives of migrant sonographers practising in the UK regarding OS and well-being.
Methods
Ethical approval was obtained from Health Sciences University, Bournemouth (HRS-2024-ECYBl). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 HCPC-registered migrant sonographers across ten regions in the UK who had experienced OS. These interviews were conducted via Microsoft Teams, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically using NVivo software. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed.
Results
Five major themes were developed: workplace dynamics, socioeconomic factors, practice-related factors, personal issues and coping mechanisms. Primary sources of stress identified were workload, difficult patients, managerial/leadership challenges, immigration issues, and lack of awareness of the procedure for reporting repetitive stress injury (RSI) and work-related stress.
Conclusion
The findings highlight unique stressors associated with migrant sonographers that negatively impact their mental and physical well-being and performance. Thus, emphasising the need for inclusive managerial approaches and culturally tailored support systems. Customised onboarding, stress management training, and RSI reporting protocols can enhance well-being, job satisfaction, and retention.
Implications for practice
Healthcare institutions must address the unique needs of migrant practitioners. Culturally competent onboarding programs and ongoing support systems should be prioritised to foster a resilient and satisfied workforce.
Keywords
Migrant sonographers
Occupational stress
Cultural competency
Understaffing
Inclusive leadership
Well-being and workforce support
Occupational stress (OS) and burnout are prevalent in healthcare, including ultrasound. These challenges are exacerbated by staff shortages, increasing workload, and ageing population growth, leading to a growing reliance on ultrasound for diagnosis. In the UK, migrant sonographers fill critical staffing gaps but face unique work-related stressors that impact their well-being and mental health. This study explored the experiences and perspectives of migrant sonographers practising in the UK regarding OS and well-being.
Methods
Ethical approval was obtained from Health Sciences University, Bournemouth (HRS-2024-ECYBl). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 HCPC-registered migrant sonographers across ten regions in the UK who had experienced OS. These interviews were conducted via Microsoft Teams, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically using NVivo software. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed.
Results
Five major themes were developed: workplace dynamics, socioeconomic factors, practice-related factors, personal issues and coping mechanisms. Primary sources of stress identified were workload, difficult patients, managerial/leadership challenges, immigration issues, and lack of awareness of the procedure for reporting repetitive stress injury (RSI) and work-related stress.
Conclusion
The findings highlight unique stressors associated with migrant sonographers that negatively impact their mental and physical well-being and performance. Thus, emphasising the need for inclusive managerial approaches and culturally tailored support systems. Customised onboarding, stress management training, and RSI reporting protocols can enhance well-being, job satisfaction, and retention.
Implications for practice
Healthcare institutions must address the unique needs of migrant practitioners. Culturally competent onboarding programs and ongoing support systems should be prioritised to foster a resilient and satisfied workforce.
Keywords
Migrant sonographers
Occupational stress
Cultural competency
Understaffing
Inclusive leadership
Well-being and workforce support
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Radiography |
| Volume | 31 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published (VoR) - 11 Feb 2025 |