Prevalence and severity of imposter phenomenon in consultant radiographers

Impostor Phenomenon (IP) is a psychological phenomenon which consists of a range of features. Commonly this includes feelings of self-doubt at work despite evidence of competence. Literature suggests that healthcare professionals may be disproportionately affected due to the high-pressure nature of their roles. There is no existing research of IP at consultant-level radiographer practice. The aim of this project was to assess the prevalence and severity of imposter phenomenon in consultant, and trainee consultant radiographers in the UK.

UK based consultant and trainee consultant radiographers were invited to an online survey, to explore their perceptions, prevalence and understanding of impostorism.

94 valid responses were received, giving a UK-wide response rate of approximately 45%. The overwhelming majority of respondents had moderate or worse IP characteristics, with just 15% having only few IP traits. Females were more likely to experience worse impostor feelings.

Impostorism is common in consultant radiographers. There is a suggestion that those who have been in consultant roles the longest, have the fewest traits, although this requires further research. There is likely a positive element to IP, however the feelings characterised are generally seen as being overall net-negative.

There are several methods of overcoming impostorism, and a professional toolkit to help healthcare professionals deal with these feelings should be considered for development. Almost 20% of respondents had considered leaving their roles due to impostor feelings, whilst almost 5% had been signed of work sick for the same reason, therefore any methods in which negative IP feelings can be overcome or subdued may have a positive result on an already stretched workforce.