Breast Imaging Staffing Shortages: Perceived Clinical Impact and Potential Solutions

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Staffing
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Radiologist staffing shortages are a growing concern in the U.S.
• These shortages impact patient care and physician well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the perceived clinical impact of radiologist staffing shortages.
• To identify potential short- and long-term solutions for these shortages.

Main Methods:

• A 26-question survey was distributed to Society of Breast Imaging physician members.
• Survey data on patient care impact, radiologist well-being, and solutions were collected and analyzed using bivariable analysis (chi-squared).

Main Results:

• 75.7% of understaffed radiologists reported delayed diagnostic imaging and 68.6% reported delayed procedures.
• Increased stress (87.6%), working hours (76.6%), and burnout (76.6%) were commonly reported by radiologists.
• Short-term solutions included moonlighting (44.2%), while long-term strategies focused on part-time employment for retention (38.1%) and recruitment (53.1%).

Conclusions:

• Understaffing in breast radiology leads to patient care delays and physician burnout.
• Moonlighting and part-time employment opportunities are perceived as viable strategies to mitigate these effects.
• Advanced practice providers are utilized for procedural support and patient navigation in understaffed settings.