Page 16 - August

Technology advancements, while designed to streamline workflow, come with a level of anxiety
for RTs. Reingold notes that the introduction of automated processes can initially cause higher
stress, as does any new process or procedure. However, once integrated and working properly,
stress levels can be reduced. That said, training on new devices brings its own level of anxiety.

Technology advancements, while designed to streamline workflow, come with a level of anxiety
for RTs. Reingold notes that the introduction of automated processes can initially cause higher
stress, as does any new process or procedure. However, once integrated and working properly,

stress levels can be reduced. That said, training on new devices brings its own level of anxiety.

Maintaining Connections

Rose, who is president-elect of AHRA, notes that in the diagnostic process, imaging often comes
at the front end of the human care cycle. She says this can also contribute to stress among RTs.
“Our patients come to us, and they don’t know what’s wrong with them. They’re scared,” she
says. “Staff needs to be able to deal with patient stress and anxiety.”

Reingold adds, “As the human contact, techs can help reduce stress with a professional, yet kind

and caring, demeanor and be as supportive to anxious patients as possible. I would say that, with
recent events, being the frontline is inherently stressful due to being exposed to illness.
However, we still need to be supportive and professional and not let personal stress get in the
way of the job.”

While RTs interact with patients at the beginning of a diagnostic journey, they are not
diagnosticians; that is the role of the radiologist. Reingold says patients often ask for their results

while with the technologist. She says RTs recognize this as “part of the job” and staff needs to
be comfortable explaining to patients in a tactful and kind way that they are not able to make a
diagnosis.

Regardless of the size of the imaging department or the health care facility, communication plays
a large role in positively or negatively impacting RTs’ work experience. Rose sees

communication and transparency as keys to keeping stress levels low.

“When you don’t share the ‘why’ behind new decisions or processes, our teammates will create
their own ‘why,’ which may not match reality,” she says. “If you don’t have an answer for
something, say you don’t know, and then work to find the answer.”

Algee says it’s important to share as much information with RTs as possible, particularly during
difficult times. It helps to alleviate the “Why me?” feeling some staff can get when they see

different processes in other departments.

“They need to understand that what we do in our department is different than what’s done in
other departments,” he says. “Other departments have different margins than we do.”

Also, while smartphone technology can enable collaboration among personnel, some
departments miss the sense of interaction that is an integral part of diagnostic radiology