The 12-hour shift: radiographers' perspectives and its applicability during a pandemic

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging and Radiology
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Traditional radiography shifts were three patterns: morning, afternoon, and night.
• A 12-hour shift (day/night) was implemented for radiographers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore for team segregation and service needs.
• The 12-hour shift is a novel pattern for radiographers at this institution, though common in nursing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore radiographers' perspectives on the new 12-hour shift pattern.
• To assess the impact of the 12-hour shift on radiographer wellness and work performance.
• To compare the 12-hour shift with the original three shift patterns.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods design was employed for a single-centre evaluation.
• Anonymous online questionnaires were distributed to radiographers who experienced both shift types.
• Retrospective data collection included sick leave rates and image rejection/acceptance counts.

Main Results:

• Radiographers reported experiencing fatigue but appreciated the extended rest days offered by the 12-hour shifts.
• The 12-hour shift pattern was associated with more favorable sick leave rates and lower image reject counts.
• Quantitative data on sick leave and image quality supported the qualitative findings.

Conclusions:

• Extended 12-hour shifts appear effective for radiographers during pandemic situations.
• Prolonged implementation of 12-hour shifts may lead to radiographer burnout.
• Further study is needed to understand the long-term efficacy and applicability of 12-hour shifts in pandemic contexts.