Organisational challenges to wellbeing in nuclear medicine technologists: Professionalism, burnout and pragmatic growth.

INTRODUCTION: Occupational risk for burnout in nuclear medicine technologists globally, and particularly during disaster demands on the profession, is poorly researched. This idiographic study explored the lived experience of nuclear medicine technologists during COVID-19 in a regional city in Australia. METHODS: Data was collected from five participants using semi-structured interviews and transcribed and analysed according to the protocols of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). RESULTS: Four group experiential themes were identified: Systemic Contraindications, Professional Strengths and Limitations, Pragmatic Growth, and Covid Rollercoaster. For these participants a dichotomous health care system, impacted by COVID-19, risked career longevity and burnout. Through empathic connection with vulnerable patients, they redefined their priorities, re-engaged in supportive connections with colleagues, and sought new pathways. CONCLUSION: Multiple workplace stressors compounded by COVID-19, risked mental wellbeing, in these participants. Nevertheless, these challenges provided opportunities for reflection around career trajectory and longevity precipitating personal growth, job satisfaction and work-life balance. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This study provided a lens on the risk factors inherent for nuclear medicine technologists in Australia, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Current, and disaster protective practices, to ensure wellbeing and prevent burnout risk are recommended for future research.

Trabeculectomy and optic nerve head topography

The objective of the present study was to evaluate changes in optic nerve head parameters, measured by confocal laser tomography, before and after trabeculectomy in order to identify outcome measures for the management of glaucoma. The optic nerve head of 22 eyes (22 patients) was analyzed by confocal laser tomography with the Heidelberg retinal tomogram (HRT) before and after trabeculectomy. The median time between the first HRT and surgery was 4.6 months (mean: 7.7 ± 8.3) and the median time between surgery and the second HRT was 10.8 months (mean: 12.0 ± 6.8). The patients were divided into two groups, i.e., those with the highest (group A) and lowest (group B) intraocular pressure (IOP) change after surgery. Differences in the 12 standard topographic parameters before and after surgery for each group were evaluated by the Wilcoxon signed rank test and the differences in these parameters between the two groups were compared by the Mann-Whitney rank sum test. Multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate the influence of the change in IOP (deltaIOP and deltaIOP percent) and the changes in the other parameters. There were significant differences in the HRT measures before and after surgery in group A only for cup volume. In group B, no parameter was statistically different. The changes in group A were not significantly different than those in group B for any parameter (P > 0.004, Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons). deltaIOP and deltaIOP percent had a statistically significant effect on delta cup disk area, delta cup volume and delta mean cup depth. Changes in cup shape size were influenced significantly only by deltaIOP. Some optic disc parameters measured by HRT presented a significant improvement after filtering surgery, depending on the amount of IOP reduction. Long-term studies are needed to determine the usefulness of these findings as outcome measures in the management of glaucoma.