A phenomenological exploration of the mental health and well-being experiences of radiology staff in the eThekwini District Of South Africa during a health crisis

Abstract

Background Globally, one in 10 health workers contract nosocomial infections while on duty. In South Africa, frontline healthcare workers have a record of six times more hospital admissions for the management of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR TB) compared to non-healthcare workers. As frontline health workers, radiology staff are at risk of nosocomial infections which are exacerbated during health crises such as the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. To date, approximately 10% of the COVID-19 cases globally are among healthcare workers. Health crises have also been associated with aggravated occupational stress levels, which negatively impact work competencies. However, no known study has examined the mental health and well-being experiences of the eThekwini district frontline radiology staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aim The aim of this study was to explore the mental health and well-being experiences of radiology staff in the eThekwini district of South Africa during a health crisis. Methods A social constructivist position was implemented with the qualitative, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) methodology. Data were collected in two independent phases in a multi-method approach, through the use of semistructured one-on-one interviews in the first phase and focus groups in the second phase. Non-probability sampling was implemented through use of maximum variation sampling. The sample comprised 24 staff working in private and public radiology departments within the eThekwini district of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province in South Africa. Phase 1 of data collection involved 13 participants who had one-to-one semi-structured interviews while Phase 2 constituted five and six participants for the two focus groups respectively. Audio recordings of the interviews were transcribed into text data, coded and categorised into themes through the use of the IPA. The Delphi method was employed to validate the resultant mental health support framework. Findings A detailed insight into the mental health and well-being experiences of frontline radiology staff during the COVID-19 pandemic was established. Resultantly, seven themes were developed, namely: duties and roles during the COVID-19 pandemic, personal and work-related challenges, emotional and psychological experiences when carrying out duties, impact on emotional well-being, impact of resultant mental health status on professional competencies, coping strategies, and interventions for mental health effects. The study evidenced that frontline radiology staff within the eThekwini district experienced mental health challenges such as stress, fear and anxiety. Clinical implications The developed mental health support framework could be adopted by radiology departments to enhance staff mental wellness and coping abilities during health crises. Resultantly, standards of radiological images, diagnosis and patient care will be maintained.