Should I Stay, or Should I Go? Early Phase Instrument Development of Workforce Movement-A Pilot Study with Breast Radiologists

Objective: The goal of this study was to develop a psychometrically valid survey on workplace satisfaction and examine predictors of workforce movement among breast radiologists.

Methods: Actively practicing members of the Society of Breast Imaging were invited to complete a survey on workplace satisfaction. Radiologists also indicated whether they had recently left their practice or were thinking of leaving their practice.

Results: In total, 228 breast radiologists provided valid responses (8.7% response rate); 45% were thinking of leaving or had left their practice. Factor analysis yielded five factors, and discriminant function analysis found six main aspects associated with workforce movement in breast radiologists: (1) not enough work-life balance; (2) salary too low; (3) not feeling valued; (4) wanting a different challenge and/or more growth opportunity; (5) safety concerns; and (6) not feeling respected by physician leadership.

Conclusions: Pending further validation in larger and different cohorts, the survey created here can be administered by radiology practices to predict when breast radiologists are vulnerable to quitting. Atlhough this measure was designed for breast radiologists specifically, it could be adapted for other subspecialties.