Behind closed doors: Are sonographers coping? A nation‐wide survey investigating the emotional well‐being of sonographers working for private organisations within Australia

Introduction Sonographers working for private practices within Australia face a myriad of emotionally challenging situations on a daily basis, potentially reducing their sense of well‐being. With limited literature currently available, this research aimed to report the current emotional well‐being of sonographers working in private practice within Australia. Methods Eighty‐one eligible participants responded to a nation‐wide survey that gathered both quantitative and qualitative data for analysis. Participants working in private practice were feeling the toll of workplace stress with 48.1% (n = 39) reporting they sometimes felt supported by colleagues or superiors and 45.7% (n = 37) reporting they sometimes felt their work was appreciated. A further 39.5% (n = 32) of participants stated they thought about leaving their current role at least a few times per month. Non‐supportive working environments, unrealistic performance expectations and managing patient related factors were reported as the key causes of workplace stress. The key strategies suggested by participants to overcome these emotionally challenging situations included: updating workplace protocols, autonomy for time management, a supportive working environment, support from referring doctors and Medicare and introducing well‐being programmes for sonographers. Conclusion Australian private practice sonographers are experiencing workplace stress and provided valid suggestions for potential causes of and strategies to overcome workplace stress.