RADIOGRAPHERS AND WORKPLACE VIOLENCE – A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Purpose: The aim was to investigate workplace violence affecting radiographers, examining forms of violence, perpetrators, vulnerable groups, risk factors and responses. The article provides recommendations to reduce workplace violence and explores whether country conditions influence the occurrence of violence among radiographers. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted via Google Scholar, PubMed, Springer Link and ScienceDirect, focussing exclusively on studies involving radiographers and the incidence of violence against them. Included documents were available entirely in English and Slovenian. Results: From a total of 4512 results, we selected 11 articles based on the exclusion criteria. We categorised them by author, title, year of publication, country of publication, number of participants, purpose, working methods and findings. Discussion and conclusion: Verbal abuse, especially by patients, is the most common form of violence faced by radiographers, with women and those with less experience being most at risk. Key risk factors include long waiting times, staff shortages and substance abuse. While many radiographers ignore these incidents, others report them to their superiors or family. The consequences are often depression, anxiety, reduced work performance and in some cases even suicidal thoughts. Suggested solutions include hiring more staff, introducing safety protocols and running awareness campaigns. The economic conditions of the country and the hospital environment also play an important role in workplace violence, with low wages and poor conditions contributing to the problem. Understanding this violence is important for developing prevention strategies and ensuring a safe workplace.

Keywords: workplace violence, radiographer, mobbing, aggression