Work

Breast Remote Reading: Widely Desired But Home Workstations Show No Association With Job Satisfaction Or Burnout

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Understand radiologists' opinions regarding remote breast imaging and determine whether having home workstations is associated with greater job satisfaction or less burnout. METHODS: A 43-question survey on remote breast imaging was distributed to Society of Breast Imaging members (July 6 to August 2, 2023). Questions regarding job satisfaction and burnout were included. Pearson's chi-squared tests compared demographic variables and responses. Multiple-variable logistic regression assessed associations between home workstations and job satisfaction or burnout. RESULTS: In total, 424 surveys were completed (response rate 13%, 424/3244). Among the third (31%, 132/424) of breast imaging radiologists with home workstations, top motivations included flexibility/work-life balance (67%; 88/132) and decreased commute time (51%, 67/132). Most felt that working from home improved their efficiency (65%, 86/132). Perceived drawbacks among all breast imaging radiologists included the inability to perform US or physical examination (71%, 300/424) and impaired patient contact (47%, 198/424). Most (57%, 240/424) wished for more breast imaging remote reading opportunities, and one-third (32%, 136/424) saw themselves in a 100% remote reading practice in the future. The majority (60%, 228/388) felt that remote reading would majorly or moderately improve radiologist wellness, but no significant association was found between having home workstations and job satisfaction (P = .301) or burnout (P = .140). CONCLUSION: The majority of breast imaging radiologists want more opportunities to work remotely, perceiving that it improves work-life balance and efficiency, albeit at the expense of patient contact. However, those currently working from home did not have higher job satisfaction or lower burnout.

Source: Journal of Breast Imaging

DOI: 10.1093/jbi/wbaf039