Burnout, wellbeing and work engagement in diagnostic radiographers working varied shift patterns in the United Kingdom: A national survey

Elliott, J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7549-527X, Whybrow, D. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9066-6196 and Bundy, C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5981-3984 2026. Burnout, wellbeing and work engagement in diagnostic radiographers working varied shift patterns in the United Kingdom: A national survey. Radiography 32 (4) , 103396. 10.1016/j.radi.2026.103396

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Abstract

Introduction Radiographers in the United Kingdom (UK) are under increased pressure due to both higher referral rates and the expectation to undertake elective imaging across extended working patterns alongside a 24/7 emergency service. Diagnostic radiography in the UK carries a 12.8 % vacancy rate, leading to empty shifts which add to the working pattern. Shift patterns have changed in response to increased service need, and the number of work sessions has increased. Professions such as resident doctors have reported increased burnout, poorer wellbeing and increased risk of error with increased workload. No studies have been undertaken investigating shiftwork effects on UK diagnostic radiographers to date. Methods A mixed methods study was conducted, with this reported phase comprising a survey of all practicing UK diagnostic radiographers. The anonymous, part novel survey was delivered electronically and shared via both social media platforms and the College of Radiographers in a mass email campaign to members. Questions elicited responses from participants on work patterns, teamworking, flexibility and concurrency; impact perception and use of validated tools (UWES9 engagement instrument, OLBI burnout scale, SWEMWBS wellbeing scale) to measure that perceived impact. Results 822 valid questionnaires were returned across a range of regions within the UK, comprising 2.5 % of the UK workforce. Fast switching, variable and atypical shift patterns were predominantly reported, with short staffing, leading to staff undertaking work beyond the scope of the Working Time Regulations 19981. 68 % (n = 545) of respondents suggested a negative impact of the current working patterns; 70 % reported burnout (OLBI) and 30 % returning SWEMWEBS scores suggesting depression symptoms. Shortage of staff was correlated to engagement and burnout (UWES9, SWEMWBS). Participation in more than one rota was correlated with low scores in wellbeing (SWEMWBS). Conclusion Shift pattern variance and inflexibility (due to staff shortage and service demand is reported to have a detrimental effect on the radiographer workforce wellbeing and burnout, particularly with concurrency of rosters. Implications for practice Further research is required on the mechanisms that cause these results, such as management of legal frameworks for shiftwork delivery, as well as a review of rostering practices and coproduction of out-of-hours staffing plans.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Healthcare Sciences
Publisher:	Elsevier BV
ISSN:	1078-8174
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	30 March 2026
Date of Acceptance:	3 March 2026
Last Modified:	30 Mar 2026 11:15
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/186082

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