Shedding Light on the Direct and Indirect Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Lebanese Radiographers or Radiologic Technologists: A Crisis within Crises

Abstract

With the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the need for radiologic procedures is increasing for the effective diagnosis and follow-up of pulmonary diseases. There is an immense load on the radiographers’ shoulders to cope with all the challenges associated with the pandemic. However, amidst this crisis, Lebanese radiographers are also suffering from a socioeconomic crisis and record hyperinflation that have posed additional challenges. A cross-sectional study was conducted among registered Lebanese radiographers to assess the general, workplace conditions, health and safety, mental/psychologic, financial, and skill/knowledge development impacts. Despite applying an adapted safety protocol, institutions are neither providing free RT-PCR testing to their staff nor showing adequate support for infected staff members, thus causing distress about contracting the virus from the workplace. Aggravated by the deteriorating economic situation that affected the radiographers financially, they additionally suffer from severe occupational physical and mental burnout. Regardless of that, they used their free time during the lockdown for skill/knowledge development and have performed many recreational activities. This cross-sectional study highlighted the different ways the pandemic has impacted the radiographers: physically, psychologically, and financially. It aimed to shed light on what these frontline heroes are passing through in the midst of all these unprecedented crises.

The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical radiography practice: A systematic literature review and recommendations for future services planning

“…Of note, these new clinical initiatives including the use of information technologies to enhance remote working in clinical radiotherapy follow-up consultations and planning are not universal. 8 , 12 , 13 , 21 , 34 , 42 , 61 , 62 , 75 , 77 , 78 Further highlighting the need for adaptation of established global strategies for use within local settings.…”

Supporting MRT mental health: Through COVID-19 and beyond

“…Working during the pandemic affected MRT mental well-being across the globe as individuals had to cope with irregular shifts, increased radiation exposure, serious risk of contracting the virus, insufficient protective measures and a heavy workload. 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 We are proposing that each level of influence work together in order to create meaningful change. Governments need to ensure policies are not exclusionary and apply to everyone working in the healthcare system which goes beyond the scope of COVID-19.…”

“…Increasing financial aid will always be a barrier to increasing mental health supports however the cost of doing nothing could lead to large numbers of MRTs leaving the profession. 39 , 40 We believe investing capital in mental wellbeing outweighs the costs of hiring and training new MRTs to repopulate the profession.…”

Two years on and four waves later: Johannesburg diagnostic radiographers’ experiences of COVID-19

“… 10 Globally, studies conducted in Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, the Middle East, Nigeria, Norway, North Africa, Lebanon, Portugal, the Republic of Cyprus, Singapore, South Africa, Spain and the United Kingdom evidence similar experiences and impacts of COVID-19 on radiographers. 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 Since the Gauteng, South African study 10 was conducted in the early stages of COVID-19, understanding radiographers' longitudinal experiences of COVID-19 in this context remained unexplored.…”