Copenhagen, Denmark
Onsite/Online

ESTRO 2022

Session Item

Sunday
May 08
16:55 - 17:55
Poster Station 1
15: Advances in patient care & treatment verifications
Hans Paul van der Laan, The Netherlands
Poster Discussion
RTT
The Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Radiation Therapists in Norway and Canada
Safora Johansen, Norway
PD-0660

Abstract

The Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Radiation Therapists in Norway and Canada
Authors:

Safora Johansen1

1Oslo Metropolitan University, Life sciences and Health, Oslo, Norway

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Purpose or Objective

Several studies have demonstrated the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health care providers. However, there is little known about how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted radiation therapists (RTs) in Norway or Canada. The aim of this investigation was to study the psychological impact of working during the COVID-19 pandemic among RTs in Canada and Norway.

Material and Methods

Online surveys were administered to a convenience sample of RTs and RT department managers. Approximately 2000 and 300 RTs were invited to participate from Canada and Norway, respectively. The RT survey collected information on demographics, work-related stressors, psychological impact, quality of life, and workplace support programs. The RT manager survey collected information on departmental changes, patient volumes, staff shortages and redeployment, personal protective equipment, and infection control measures. Descriptive analysis, group comparisons and logistic regression were used to examine the impact of COVID-19 on RTs in the two countries, while open-ended questions were examined through thematic analysis.

Results

Work-related stress and anxiety were prevalent among Canadian (n=155) and Norwegian RTs (n=124), with Canadian RTs reporting higher levels. Fear of transmission, changes in PPE usage, and changes in staffing were reported as the most frequent work-related stressors. Themes related to working during the pandemic included: generalized anxiety; physical, emotional and cognitive symptoms of stress; and loneliness, as well as negative impact on health and quality of relationships. Survey findings from RT department managers in Canada (n=12) and Norway (n=13) suggest that the pandemic had an organizational impact on RT departments due to implemented infection control measures and changes in staffing

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to similar stressors amongst Canadian and Norwegian RTs but relatively higher levels of psychological impact among Canadian RTs. Findings demonstrate the importance of mental health support programs in the workplace to mitigate the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on RTs.