Work interruptions and their consequences among radiotheraphy co-workers
PO-1869
Abstract
Work interruptions and their consequences among radiotheraphy co-workers
Authors: Ádám Miovecz1,2, Dávid Sipos1,2, Ferenc Lakosi1,2
1Somogy County Kaposi Mór Teaching Hospital, Dr.József Baka Diagnostic, Radiation Oncology, Research and Teaching Center, Kaposvár, Hungary; 2University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Imaging, Kaposvár, Hungary
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Purpose or Objective
Task interruptions are common in radiation therapy. Our goal was to evaluate the characteristics of these interruptions and to analyze working performance, stress level and professional quality of life in our institution.
Material and Methods
An external supervisor collected and recorded the phone interruptions in the treatment rooms during a regular working day. Additionally, questionnaires were distributed to majority of the clinic personnel including radiation oncologists, medical physicists, radiation technologists, administrators and nurses to further explore potential sources of working interruptions and their impact on burnout (BO), compassion fatigue (CF), compassion satisfaction (CS) and professional quality of life. Two internationally validated questionnaires (Professional Quality of Life Scale, Effort-Reward Imbalance) and a custom-made survey (consisting of 30 items) were used for this evaluation.
Results
Phone interruptions occurred 26 times during a 6-hour shift at the machine, from which 63% were considered „unnecessary calls”, respectively. The average time for phone calls was 32 seconds (10-120 sec). CF was significantly worse (p=0.05) if „always annoying” background noise and/or ≥ 30 phone rings were present. Physicians had the highest average stress level (1.2), while administrators had the lowest one (0.3). Phone interruptions were nominated among the most frequent stress factors by the physicians. Additional work interruptions occurred due to software, hardware and network problems as well, once weekly on average. Physicians had significantly higher values of BO and CF (p=0.05) compared the other co-workers of the department. Smokers showed increased CS and decreased BO values compared to non-smokers.
Conclusion
Unnecessary phone calls represented the main source of work interruptions at the treating machines and one of the leading causes of elevated stress level primarily for physicians. Based on this evaluation efforts are planned to reduce avoidable phone calls to improve professional quality of life across all segments of the institution.