Factors impacting on radiographers' emigration and career exiting in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

The world health organisation has raised concerns on the continued global shortage of radiographers. The shortage in South Africa is hard hit by the emigration of these professionals to other parts of the world. The changing health care requirements and disease burdens have raised the need for the health professionals globally. According to records from Kwazulu-Natal (KZN) department of health on the 8th August 2013, there were 427 vacancies in the year 2008, 445 vacancies in 2009, 447 in 2010, 79 vacancies in the year 2011 and 81 vacancies in 2012 for radiography in KZN. Some vacancies in 2011 and 2012 were frozen hence low number of vacancies. This study aimed at exploring the factors that impacted on emigration and career exiting of radiographers in KZN.A quantitative, descriptive survey design was used. The online questionnaire was completed by radiographers that had emigrated and those had left the profession. The findings showed that certain factors impacted on emigration and career exiting of radiographers. In order to stem this problem it is suggested that there is a need for career pathing, recognition of all qualifications obtained in radiography as well as a reduction of working hours so as to reduce social isolation and the harmful effects of radiation. These could help to improve the negative perception of radiography profession hence improving retention of professionals in the province.