Disruptive behaviours involving radiographers that impede a safe work environment. Survey at central hospitals in Harare Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe

BACKGROUND: Understanding disruptive behaviours from the perspective of radiographers is important, as this professional group uses hazardous radiation in the execution of their duties, making patient safety of utmost concern. OBJECTIVE: Determine the disruptive behaviours involving radiographers at central hospitals in Harare Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study was carried out at central hospitals in Harare Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe, where 100 radiographers were randomly selected. RESULTS: Overall, 83% of radiographers had been exposed to an incident of DB in the preceding 12 months. Reported types of disruptive behaviour included: Verbal abuse (81%), sexual abuse (21%) and physical abuse (4%). Of the 21 radiographers that suffered sexual abuse, the majority 71 % (n=15) were female while 29% (n=6) were males. Prevalence odds ratio revealed that female radiographers were 1.8 times more likely than their male counterparts to be victims of the workplace sexual abuse (95% C.I.: 0 – 3.04). A significant 69% were abused by patients and their families/escorts, p=.001. CONCLUSION: More than 8 out of 10 radiographers in this study were exposed to disruptive behaviours, mostly from the patients and patient's family or escorts. A framework to increases awareness and address these behaviours is recommended.