Assessment of the role of experience in shaping sustainability perceptions within radiography

Introduction

Perceptions of environmental sustainability among radiographers can potentially be influenced by individual experiences and educational backgrounds. This study aims to investigate the perceptions and practices of radiographers regarding sustainability initiatives, emphasizing the significance of understanding their diverse experiences and backgrounds.

Methods

This was an online survey involving 104 radiographers from various regions worldwide to evaluate their training related to global warming, their perceptions of sustainability, current practices, and the barriers they face in implementing sustainability practices.

Results

Participants' knowledge regarding sustainability was significantly influenced by their social networks, including friends and family (χ² = 12.505, p = 0.004). Notable correlations were observed between years' of experience and the belief in pollution's contribution to climate change (χ² = 8.096,p = 0.038), as well as the perception of human activities as the primary cause of climate change (χ² = 22.68,p = 0.011). Furthermore, involvement in environmental protection initiatives (χ² = 19.268, p = 0.033) and the perception of local climate impacts (χ² = 22.478, p = 0.012) were positively correlated with experience. In the field of radiography, the adoption of energy-efficient practices (χ² = 10.482, p = 0.011) and the recycling of imaging waste (χ² = 25.778, p = 0.004) were significantly associated with levels of experience. Lastly, the barrier identified as “Lack of Authority to make change” also exhibited a significant relationship with years of experience (χ² = 9.449, p = 0.022).

Conclusion

This study indicates that staff experiences play a significant factor influencing sustainability engagement among radiographers. Barriers identified include financial constraints, insufficient leadership, safety concerns, and inadequate training.

Impact on practice

The current study highlights the essential requirement for customized strategies based on radiographers' experiences to improve sustainable practices in radiography. It acknowledges the impact of organizational barriers and suggests that progress toward a more sustainable future can be achieved through individual empowerment and collaboration within the healthcare sector.