In plain language
In a US survey of 635 radiographers, 81% reported pain or discomfort while performing patient cases. Working in fluoroscopy, heavy workload, work pressure and poorer health or sleep were associated with symptoms. The data are self-reported and cross-sectional.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Original research, Cross-sectional survey
- Who was studied
- Radiologic technologists
- Size
- n = 635 radiographers
- Where
- United States
- Summary based on
- the abstract
What it found
Most responding radiographers reported pain or discomfort while performing patient cases.
Key figures: 81% of 635
Working in fluoroscopy was the one work demographic factor that distinguished radiographers with pain or discomfort from those without.
Psychosocial factors, including perceptions of a more physically demanding workload and of work pressure and stress, were associated with symptoms.
Key figures: 3 psychosocial work factors
Personal factors, including poorer perceived health and sleep quality, were also associated with symptoms.
Key figures: 4 personal factors
The authors suggest limiting or rotating fluoroscopy duties, reducing physical demands, addressing understaffing and promoting self-care.
Limits to keep in mind
This is a cross-sectional, self-reported online survey of a subset of ARRT radiographers, so it shows associations rather than causes and may be affected by response bias. The response rate was not reported in the abstract.
Related research summaries
- Aegrescit medendo: orthopedic disability in electrophysiology, call for fluoroscopy elimination, review and commentary (2022, Editorial or commentary)
- SCAI Multi-Society Position Statement on Occupational Health Hazards (2020, Guideline or consensus statement)
- Occupational Pelvic and Chest-Level Radiation Exposure Among Interventional Echocardiographers During Percutaneous Structural Heart Interventions (2026, Dosimetry measurement study)
- Radiation Realities: Radiation Safety Practices and Awareness Among Interventional Echocardiographers in the United States (2025, Cross-sectional survey)
- Occupational orthopedic problems and its relation to personal radiation protection in interventional radiology (2024, Cross-sectional survey)
How this summary was made
ORSIF prepared this summary with AI assistance from the abstract of the paper. A program then checked that the passage supporting each finding appears word for word in that source. A person has not yet reviewed each summary, so read the original before relying on a number. ORSIF summarizes research and does not endorse any product or company. Report a problem with this summary.
Prepared November 3, 2026.