Retention of sonographers: an exploration of sonographers’ experiences/perceptions and how these impact their intent to stay working within the NHS
By Kirsty Cutt, York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust
Background
The sonographer vacancy rate is currently 12.6%. The demand for sonographers is rising due to the increasing imaging demand. Maintaining the current sonography workforce is essential. The Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR) 2019 Ultrasound Workforce UK Census found sonographers are more likely to leave their posts than other radiographers. The SCoR ranks sonographer retention as a top research priority.
Research aims
1. To determine whether sonographers are considering leaving roles in the NHS before expected retirement age.
2. To identify factors that influence sonographers to leave roles in the NHS before expected retirement age.
3. To identify characteristics of workplaces linked with sonographers’ intent to remain working within the NHS.
4. To determine if there are different themes that emerge between sonographers in the early stages of their careers compared to late career stage sonographers.
5. To use the study findings to make recommendations to improve retention of sonographers within the NHS at local and national levels.
Methods
This is an empirical mixed methods study. Data were collected through an online questionnaire. Participants were recruited using social network sites using snowball sampling. Inclusion criteria of participants included sonographers and student sonographers who have experience working in the NHS.
Results
92 participants’ responses were analysed. 11 sonographers who work solely in the NHS (15% of NHS sonographers) were under 55 years old and considering leaving ultrasound. A negative workplace culture is linked with a higher intention to leave. Regular feedback, ability to seek advice and CPD is linked to a positive workplace culture. Only 7% of participants are fulfilling all four pillars of advanced clinical practice; clinical practice, research, leadership and education. 78% agree that opportunities for career progression make a good working environment.
Conclusions
Local solutions exist which could improve sonographers’ intent to stay working within the NHS.