Title:
RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGISTS’ WORKLOAD, BURNOUT LEVELS AND QUALITY OF PATIENT CARE IN SELECTED TERTIARY GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS IN METRO MANILA

Authors:
Magie Baloloy-Mascariñas and Dr. Noel Juan Acosta, Philippines

Abstract:
The evolving healthcare landscape has significantly impacted Radiologic technologists (RTs) who play a critical role in the diagnostic imaging services. While healthcare worker burnout has been widely studied, its specific effects on Radiologic Technologists in tertiary government hospitals remain underexplored, particularly amid rising patient volumes and technological advancements. This study aims to bridge the existing research gaps by analyzing the relationship between workload, burnout levels and quality of patient care among radiologic technologists in tertiary government hospitals in Metro Manila. This study anchored based on the framework, Maslach’s Burnout Theaory as cited by Sigh et al.(2023), The Job Demands-Resources Theory as applied by Makanjee et al.(2021), and Social Exchange Theory as cited by Elsholz et al.(2021). These models provided a foundation for understanding how workload influences burnout and how it affects the quality of patient care. This study examined radiologic technologists' workload, burnout levels, and quality of patient care in selected tertiary government hospitals in Metro Manila. Specifically, it seeks to answer the following research questions: (1.) What is the workload level of radiologic technologists in selected tertiary government hospitals in Metro Manila? In terms of: (1.1) patient volume (1.2) procedure complexity (1.3) administrative tasks (1.4) shift patterns (1.5) image accuracy? (2.) What are the burnout levels experienced by radiologic technologists in these hospitals? In terms of: (2.1) emotional exhaustion (2.2) depersonalization (2.3) personal accomplishment? (3.) What is the level of patient care quality provided by the radiologic technologist? In terms of: (3.1) patient safety (3.2) patient experience? (4) Is there a significant relationship between radiologic technologists’ workload and their burnout levels? (5) Is there a significant relationship between radiologic technologists’ workload and the quality of patient care they provide? (6) Is there a significant relationship between radiologic technologists’ burnout levels and the quality of patient care they provide? The findings suggest that other factors may contribute to burnout and patient care quality. The study underscores the importance of managing workload, providing emotional support, streamlining administrative tasks, optimizing shift patterns and offering continuous training to enhance well-being to healthcare workers to improve the patient care quality.