Study outlines radiologist wellness initiative

A wellness initiative at Mass General Brigham Imaging improved radiologist morale, according to a study published in Clinical Imaging.

The program focused on community radiologists, a group the authors said can face geographically separate practice sites, fewer collegial interactions, and higher productivity expectations than radiologists in traditional academic settings. 

Three interventions were included: scheduled social events for staff and families, a financial wellness lecture series, and a monthly 10-minute fitness program. Virtual options were available for the fitness and financial sessions.

Before the survey, 26% of radiologists reported at least 1 burnout symptom, while 47% reported feeling isolated or lonely,.

More than 2-thirds of community-arm radiologists participated in the initiative. Social events were the best-received component, with 84% of participants reporting a positive effect.

Fitness sessions drew participation from 34% of radiologists, with nearly half of respondents recommending that the program continue. Similar responses were reported for the financial wellness lectures.

Lunch-hour programming was preferred for both the fitness and financial sessions. The most common post-survey request was for more opportunities to connect with colleagues.

“There is no one-size-fits-all approach to wellness initiative development,” the authors wrote.

The initiative was based on staff radiologists’ previously expressed preferences. The authors said the findings support a flexible, needs-based framework for developing wellness programs.