Occupational stress and wellbeing: A qualitative exploration of the perspectives and experiences of migrant sonographers practising in the United Kingdom.

Ollawa, C U; Lawal, O; Akpan, E; Upeh, E R; Kwame Anudjo, M N

Abstract

Occupational stress (OS) and burnout are prevalent in healthcare, including ultrasound. These challenges are exacerbated by staff shortages, increasing workload, and ageing population growth, leading to a growing reliance on ultrasound for diagnosis. In the UK, migrant sonographers fill critical staffing gaps but face unique work-related stressors that impact their well-being and mental health. This study explored the experiences and perspectives of migrant sonographers practising in the UK regarding OS and well-being. Ethical approval was obtained from Health Sciences University, Bournemouth (HRS-2024-ECYBl). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 HCPC-registered migrant sonographers across ten regions in the UK who had experienced OS. These interviews were conducted via Microsoft Teams, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically using NVivo software. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed. Five major themes were developed: workplace dynamics, socioeconomic factors, practice-related factors, personal issues and coping mechanisms. Primary sources of stress identified were workload, difficult patients, managerial/leadership challenges, immigration issues, and lack of awareness of the procedure for reporting repetitive stress injury (RSI) and work-related stress. The findings highlight unique stressors associated with migrant sonographers that negatively impact their mental and physical well-being and performance. Thus, emphasising the need for inclusive managerial approaches and culturally tailored support systems. Customised onboarding, stress management training, and RSI reporting protocols can enhance well-being, job satisfaction, and retention. Healthcare institutions must address the unique needs of migrant practitioners. Culturally competent onboarding programs and ongoing support systems should be prioritised to foster a resilient and satisfied workforce. [Abstract copyright: Crown Copyright © 2025. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.]

Citation

Ollawa, C. U., Lawal, O., Akpan, E., Upeh, E. R., & Kwame Anudjo, M. N. (in press). Occupational stress and wellbeing: A qualitative exploration of the perspectives and experiences of migrant sonographers practising in the United Kingdom. Radiography, 31(2), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2025.01.017

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 23, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Feb 11, 2025
• Deposit Date: Mar 6, 2025
• Journal: Radiography (London, England : 1995)
• Print ISSN: 1078-8174
• Electronic ISSN: 1532-2831
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 31
• Issue: 2
• Article Number: 102882
• Pages: 1-8
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2025.01.017
• Keywords: Migrant sonographers, Occupational stress, Cultural competency, Understaffing, Inclusive leadership, Well-being and workforce support
• Public URL: https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/1080498