3rd Comprehensive Survey of the Neuroradiology Work Environment in the United States with Reported Trends in Clinical Work, Nonclinical Work, Errors, Burnout and Retirement

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: With the workforce shortage in the United States, neuroadiologists' workloads are increasing with associated increase in burnout and interpretive errors. This article reports on an updated survey deployed to reexamine the United States' neuroradiology work environment, evaluating changes in key results from a prior survey.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was deployed to subscribers of the American Journal of Neuroradiology. Selected measures included work hours, volume, subjectively reported errors and malpractice, burnout symptoms, participation in non-clinical activities, intention to retire early or change careers, preparation for early retirement or career change, availability of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and remote work.

RESULTS: Survey respondents (n = 113) included 57.5% with teaching responsibilities. There was a high prevalence of burnout with 79% reporting at least one symptom, despite an increasing percentage of respondents (50.8%) reporting the availability of advanced informatics or AI tools in their practices. More respondents who have AI tools reported anxiety (30/54, 55.6%) compared to those without AI (P=0.04). Being involved in or having a colleague involved in a malpractice suit as a primary defendant was reported by 33% of respondents and was associated with the burnout measure, having difficulty in relaxing after work (P=0.03). Part-time work, remote work hours or percentage, or after-hours remote work were not correlated with burnout (P>0.11). Need to be faster than optimal for interpreting and signing reports, poorly indicated orders, and increases in work hours, workdays, and risk for malpractice suits were correlated with burnout (P<0.05). Intent to retire early was reported by 38.6% of respondents and correlated with all burnout factors (P<0.04) and cutbacks in other non-clinical activities (P<0.003). Among respondents with intent to retire early or make a career change, 27.9% reported making specific preparations.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite the increasing availability of AI tools, US neuroradiologists report high rates of burnout and high rates of intention and preparation to retire early in the face of increasing clinical workloads and workforce shortage. These results underscore the challenges facing the leaders of radiology practices in balancing the growing demand for radiology services and the available and incoming workforce.

ABBREVIATIONS: AI＝ artificial intelligence; XYZ＝ definition.