4 solutions to the biggest challenges facing remote radiologists

There are four possible solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing remote and hybrid work formats in diagnostic imaging, according to a new analysis.

Telework has grown in popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic amid staffing shortages and rising imaging volumes. But this has presented a host of new challenges—limiting radiologists’ personal interactions with colleagues while hindering academic advancement and collaboration, experts wrote Dec. 24. 

To better understand this new landscape, researchers surveyed over 200 members of the Association of Academic Radiologists, sharing their findings in AAR’s scientific journal. Lily M. Belfi, MD, and colleagues cautioned against wholesale back-to-office mandates—like the one recently enacted by Amazon—and the potential ramifications. 

“While these movements often aim to restore pre-pandemic norms and increase in-person collaboration, they also pose a risk to the well-being and work-life balance gains achieved through remote and flexible work models,” Belfi, a radiologist with Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City, and co-authors advised. “Rather than abandoning these options, efforts should focus on mitigating challenges. Institutions should actively listen to faculty needs and adopt a balanced approach that combines the advantages of both remote and on-site work.”

Researchers fielded their anonymous survey in April, logging a nearly 21% response rate (out of 981 contacts). About 92% of radiologists reached said their institution offered remote work at the time of the survey, and 73% said they use this perk. When asked for the biggest benefits of working remotely, improved work-life balance, flexibility, and reduced commute time were the most popular answers. About 79% of respondents preferred a hybrid work model allowing them to work both in the office and at home, and 89% said remote work has improved their well-being. 

Meanwhile, over 46% said their organization offers flexible scheduling—allowing individuals to adjust their start and end times, along with breaks. Another 91% relayed that this perk has bolstered their happiness on the job. 

“Flexible scheduling appears to be a critical factor in job satisfaction and retention, as 68% of respondents indicated that flexible work options would be extremely or very important if they were to seek new employment,” the authors reported. 

Belfi and colleagues also highlighted significant differences in how remote and flexible work impact women and those in the early or middle stages of their careers. For instance, female physicians reported greater improvements in work-life balance and well-being compared to their male counterparts. They also placed higher importance on these flexibilities when searching for a new job. Same for radiologist members of the “sandwich” generation, who found remote work especially beneficial when caring for children or their elders. 

“These findings are crucial for addressing the ‘leaky pipeline’ of women in radiology and enhancing gender diversity in the field,” the authors wrote. “This phenomenon is particularly pronounced among working mothers, who often face the dual burden of managing a demanding career and significant family responsibilities,” they added later. 

Belfi and colleagues offered four potential solutions to address some of the biggest challenges stemming from remote, on-site and hybrid work formats. Inclusivity, efficiency and fairness should be the core focus, they emphasized. 

1. Equitable compensation and promotion structures: “Transparent and equitable compensation frameworks should be established for remote, hybrid, and on-site shifts. Clear guidelines for performance evaluations and career progression are vital to ensuring fairness and inclusivity. To maximize buy-in, departments should seek input from all radiologists when designing these guidelines.”

2. Enhanced communication and technical support: “Investing in advanced communication tools and technical support systems is critical to bridging the gap between remote and on-site staff. Virtual collaboration platforms, secure messaging systems, and remote PACS access can facilitate seamless interactions, enhance clinical integration, and strengthen academic collaboration. These tools also enable real-time participation of remote radiologists in clinical teams and educational initiatives.”

3. Optimized education and trainee supervision: “Remote work and the expansion of academic and private practices across multiple sites pose challenges to trainee education and supervision. Faculty development programs focused on pedagogically sound remote teaching and supervision methods are crucial. This would enhance remote faculty engagement in educational missions and support equal involvement in mentorship opportunities for trainees.”

4. Tailored hybrid models: “Hybrid work models should be designed to meet the unique needs of each practice. Flexibility in balancing remote and in-person responsibilities allows radiologists to engage in clinical, research, and educational activities that align with their personal and professional goals. Tailored approaches help reduce perceived inequities between remote and on-site staff while fostering a more inclusive work environment.”