Purpose: Investigating the status and challenges associated with radiological technologists acting as assistants during angiography and interventional radiology (IVR) through task shift/share.
Methods: The survey period was from August 1, 2023 to September 30, 2023. A 10-item questionnaire survey was conducted nationwide, targeting 676 hospitals equipped with angiography facilities.
Results: Of the 676 hospitals surveyed, 184 facilities responded. Thirty-four hospitals (18.5%) implemented the role of assistant work, whereas 22 hospitals (12%) carried out these duties during nights and holidays. Of the facilities that did not carry out assistant work roles, >80% were concerned about securing personnel, securing training time, and establishing educational methods. Additionally, 19 facilities (12.3%) had requests from doctors regarding assistant work, highlighting the relationship between the availability of assistant work and facility-specific factors.
Conclusion: We have identified the status and challenges associated with radiological technologists acting as assistants during angiography and IVR, including issues such as personnel allocation and establishing educational methods.
Keywords: angiography; assistant work; interventional radiology (IVR); task shift/share.