Evaluating the degree of psychological safety and individual perceptions among radiographer teams

Abstract

Objectives: Psychological safety, as the belief that an individual can freely express opinions, without any negative repercussions, must be safeguarded in all organisations. This is no exception to the healthcare industry where professionals experience workplace interpersonal risks, which influence their behaviours, hindering their ability to provide high-quality patient care in highly complex environments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the degree of psychological safety and its influencing factors among radiographer teams employed within the Maltese public health sector. Additionally, the study investigated radiographers’ individual perceptions on the degree of psychological safety, based on their varying demographics. Methods: Following a comprehensive literature review, a conceptual model incorporating the factors influencing psychological safety was developed. This informed the design of an online survey, which was based on established instruments. The quantitative survey was distributed via email to every eligible radiographer within the national health service in Malta in July – August 2022. Results: A response rate of 41% from the total 223 radiographers was attained. Findings revealed moderately positive perceptions of psychological safety, while the influencing factors were rated between moderately negative to moderately positive. Additionally, it was observed that the radiographers’ perception of psychological safety was not influenced by their demographics, unlike some of the influencing factors which were affected by the radiographers’ gender, nationality, the radiographer team, their organisational tenure, and position. Conclusions: Despite the moderately positive results attained for psychological safety among radiographer teams, this study indicates room for improvement. Therefore, a tailor-made, multi-level strategic intervention is necessary to establish psychological safety successfully within the organisation.