Bullying and harassment experiences among radiographers: A transnational scoping review
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Workplace bullying and harassment (WBH) are psychosocial hazards that compromise staff well-being, workforce stability, and patient safety. Radiographers are potentially exposed to WBH due to their frontline roles, lone working, and exposure to high-pressure clinical environments. This scoping review systematically mapped evidence on both interprofessional and public-initiated bullying and harassment experienced by radiographers. METHODS: The review protocol was published on Open Science Framework. Electronic searches were conducted in April 2025 across CINAHL, MEDLINE, AMED, APA PsycINFO, and Google Scholar, limited to studies published between February 2014 and January 2025. Backward reference screening and grey literature searches were conducted to improve comprehensiveness. Data from the included studies were extracted using a data charting template and synthesised descriptively. No ethical approval was required. RESULTS: Ten studies (n = 1,389 participants) from ten countries in Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America were included. Prevalence of WBH ranged from 45 to 100%, exceeding pooled estimates for nurses (36-45%) and junior doctors (24-32%). Verbal abuse was most common, followed by physical assault and sexual harassment. Patients were frequently reported as perpetrators, followed by patients' carers and family members. Long patient waiting times were frequently reported as organisational conditions that cause patient aggression. Reporting rates were low (
Fields of Study & Subjects
Workplace Violence and Bullying
Diversity and Career in Medicine
Healthcare professionals’ stress and burnout
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Radiography
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Volume
- 32
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 103431–103431
- Publication date
- 19 May 2026
- Language
- EN