An MRT workforce shortage is no laughing matter

Abstract

The Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) has collected profession-specific health human resource (HHR) and impact data to understand medical radiation technologist (MRT) workforce models. The cumulation of these efforts provides longstanding HHR trends that can inform medical imaging and radiation therapy departments. The data demonstrates the healthcare system is neglecting workplace safety across Canada and is causing negative physical and psychological impacts on MRTs as a direct result. Vacancy rates have exponentially increased, and in some cases tripled across time within medical imaging and radiation therapy. Over 1485 instances of workplace violence, aggression and/or harassment were directly experienced by MRTs within the six-month period preceding a survey. Other research indicates that healthcare professionals work through injuries based on cultural pressures to hide or minimize their physical and mental well-being, ultimately hiding the true impact HHR shortages have on the individuals working. This article provides call-to-action language and highlights evidence required to support national change for MRTs.