Work

The impact of working patterns on therapeutic radiographers’ experience of work-life balance: A qualitative study at a cancer treatment centre in Wales

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Current and projected demand for NHS radiotherapy services outstrips projected capacity. One solution to increase treatment capacity seen in UK radiotherapy centres has been to adapt the treatment hours and working patterns of therapeutic radiographers. This study explores radiographers' experiences of the impact of working extended treatment hours on their work-life balance and wellbeing. METHOD: Eligible Radiographers were employed in a substantive NHS AfC Band 6 Therapeutic Radiographer role. A descriptive qualitative design utilising semi-structured interviews allowed participants freedom to reflect upon individual experiences. The interview schedule and process were piloted before data collection in October 2023. Anonymised data were analysed using content analysis. RESULTS: Six participants were recruited. Our findings reveal different outlooks between radiographers of different ages, life-stage, personal circumstances and caring responsibilities. The importance for work-life balance of non-working weekends and flexibility, reliability and predictability of shift scheduling were common categories. There was concern that further changes to working patterns would lead to diminished work-life balance and wellbeing. As Radiographers' priorities regarding work-life balance were dynamic, agency to easily adapt working hours was seen as the ideal. CONCLUSION: Opportunities to flexibly adapt working hours to suit personal circumstances are viewed as key to maintaining a healthy and rewarding work-life balance. Our findings reveal a desire for more openness to adaptation requests and highlight the need for future research into the transparency of parity between request grounds and the competing needs of services and the individual. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Poor work-life balance risks burnout in TRs, with consequent retention issues and lower quality patient care.

Source: Radiography

DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2025.102951

Authors: S. Allan, N. Courtier, L. Mundy

Institution: Cardiff University

Language: English

Topic: Healthcare professionals’ stress and burnout

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,990