MRTs Speak Up: The Professional Identity Crisis Brought on by COVID-19

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to share the lived experience of Canadian medical radiation technologists (MRTs) in relation to their mental health during the pandemic by exploring the causes and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the professional group within the workplace. Data from eight semi-structured interviews and one focus group were conducted between April and June 2021. Audio files were transcribed and uploaded to a qualitative data analysis computer software program (NVivo) where codebook thematic analysis was conducted. Participants identified mental health themes at work within the individual, relationship, organization and policy levels. The pandemic alone did not cause MRTs to burnout, the changing policies combined with individual, familial and organization factors merely highlighted the chronic and increasing mental health concerns that existed pre-pandemic. Understanding this snap shot in time may aid in developing appropriate resources and improve workplace culture and mental health seeking behaviours for MRTs. These findings elucidate the need for more timely and equitable funding/resources to ensure that all healthcare workers are recognized and supported.