A global survey shines a light on the biggest issues facing the radiology sector.
More than half of radiologists have cited burnout and stress as the most significant threat to the sustainability of their profession, according to a new global report out today.
The survey, which included Australian radiologists and their counterparts from 49 other countries, was conducted by global teleradiology provider Everlight Radiology.
Rising levels of fatigue and emotional exhaustion emerged as major issues, with more than half (53%) of respondents identifying burnout and stress as their primary concern.
Fears about burnout were highest in the United States (67%), Pakistan (63%), Ireland (62%) and Australia (58%), and lowest in India and Dubai (both 36%).
Radiology Unlocked: The Global Radiologist Report 2025, also revealed more than 700 radiologists’ firsthand insights on other critical pressures facing the field of radiology, including the dangers of overnight working, the potential (and pitfalls) of AI, and the opportunities presented by outsourcing.
Forty-five per cent of respondents were based in the UK and Ireland, and 16% were based in Australia and New Zealand, while the remaining 39% were in other parts of the world, including 4% in India and 2% in Dubai.
Workforce shortage was another key issue raised by the respondents, with 49% worried about a rise in backlogs and delays due to a shortage of radiologists, while 40% said loss of knowledge through ‘brain drain’ was also a big concern and 28% of radiologists were concerned about the over-reliance on AI in diagnosing patients.
The majority of radiologists (88%) reported having worked night shifts at some point in their careers, with over a third (36%) still regularly required to do so. Younger radiologists, particularly those under 45 years, were the most likely to be assigned night shifts in their current roles, suggesting that more senior clinicians were better positioned to avoid these challenging working patterns, the report found.
“This trend underscores the disproportionate burden of overnight work on less experienced radiologists,” the authors wrote.
“There was a strong consensus that frequent night shifts are unsustainable, with most radiologists (63%) perceiving overnight work as having a negative impact on performance and patient care.
“Nearly half (47%) believe that night shifts reduce diagnostic accuracy, and one in three (35%) are concerned that working overnight poses a risk to patient safety.”
The effects of night shifts extended beyond the hours worked, with 61% of respondents reporting impaired impact on performance and patient care. Nearly half (47%) believed that night shifts reduce diagnostic accuracy, and 35% were concerned that working overnight poses a risk to patient safety.
The effects of night shifts extend beyond the hours worked, with 61% of respondents reporting impaired performance the following day.
“These findings underscore the challenges of overnight work in radiology, where the physical and mental toll of night shifts not only affects radiologists’ wellbeing but also raises concerns about accuracy, productivity, and patient safety,” the authors wrote.
“Addressing the demands of night shifts, particularly for younger radiologists, will be key to creating a sustainable and safe working environment in the profession in the future.”
Teleradiology was widely recognised by radiologists as a critical lifeline for overstretched radiology departments, with nearly all respondents (98%) affirming that outsourcing to teleradiologists benefits their healthcare systems.
Nearly three-quarters of respondents cited teleradiology’s ability to help clear backlogs (73%) and reduce workload pressures (72%) as its most valued strengths.
“Beyond backlog reduction, radiologists identified several other substantial benefits of teleradiology,” the authors wrote.
“Nearly half (47%) of respondents highlighted the value of remote access to subspecialist expertise, a resource many hospitals cannot consistently provide in-house.”
More than half of radiologists (53%) reported knowingly using AI in their practice, with 42% aware of how AI is specifically applied in their workflows. However, there remains a knowledge gap, the survey found. Just 11% were aware that their main employer used AI in some capacity but were unsure of its applications, while 10% were entirely unaware of any AI use within their workplace.
Everlight’s Global CEO, Rob Andersonsaid the survey findings painted a stark picture of the challenges facing radiology departments worldwide.
“It’s clear that a combination of strategies is required to address the increasing demand for imaging services,” he said.
“Teleradiology and outsourcing are key components of that solution, offering vital support to overworked departments. We recognise the urgent need to listen to radiologists and provide better support for radiologists, as this will in turn enhance patient care.”