Beating burnout and backlogs in radiology – ensuring a sustainable teleradiology solution | HSJ Partners

Radiology services are facing unprecedented strain due to a widening gap: while patient care demands are skyrocketing, evidenced by more than 4.2 billion annual imaging procedures worldwide¹, a severe global shortage leaves two-thirds of the world’s population with limited or no radiologist access².

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With medical imaging underpinning over 80 per cent of patient episodes³, the pressure to deliver accurate and timely reports is critical, especially in vital areas like cancer and emergency care.

A recent global survey conducted by Everlight Radiology, encompassing more than 700 radiologists across 50 countries, reveals the extent of this pressure. The findings, published in Radiology Unlocked: The Global Radiologist Report 2025, highlight alarming burnout rates, overwhelming backlogs, and the detrimental impact of overnight shifts on both radiologists’ performance and patient safety.

Burnout, backlogs, and brain drain: A crisis of sustainability

Rising levels of fatigue and emotional exhaustion were revealed as the most significant threats to the long-term viability of radiology. Over half (53 per cent) of radiologists surveyed cite burnout and stress as major concerns, emphasising the need to improve this key profession’s work-life balance. Furthermore, 49 per cent express anxiety about increasing backlogs and delays due to radiologist shortages, pointing to the greater strategic investment in capacity and training.

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Nightmares on the night shift: The dangers of 24/7 demand

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The research also revealed the prevalence and perceived negative impact of night shifts on radiologist wellbeing, performance, and accuracy. The overwhelming majority of radiologists (88 per cent) have worked night shifts, with 36 per cent still regularly required to do so. Radiologists who answered the survey were worried about the negative impact of this overnight work, raising serious concerns about performance, accuracy, productivity, and patient safety. This isn’t just a perception issue, either – one previous study found diagnostic errors increase by half on the night shift⁴. Addressing the demand for servicing overnight reporting without sacrificing clinician wellbeing is crucial for creating a sustainable and safe working environment.

Bridging the gap: Teleradiology and the ‘Follow-the-Sun’ model

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Teleradiology – where radiological images (like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs) are transmitted electronically from one location to another for remote interpretation and diagnosis by radiologists – was widely recognised by almost all respondents in the survey as a crucial lifeline for overstretched radiology departments. Radiologists firmly believe it alleviates pressure by clearing backlogs (73 per cent) and reducing workload (72 per cent), ensuring timely and accurate diagnoses vital for patient care. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also helps prevent radiologist burnout.

Everlight Radiology, the leading global teleradiology provider, offers a unique solution to these challenges through its 24/7 “daylight” hours global radiology reporting service, providing world-class radiology expertise 24/7, 365 days a year. This “follow-the-sun” model leverages a vast network of consultant radiologists across the globe, ensuring that reports are generated during radiologists’ awake hours, maximising accuracy and efficiency.

Everlight Radiology can supplement the expertise of in-house teams with experienced radiologists working during their normal waking hours from locations across a number of time zones, ensuring speed and accuracy.

Everlight’s Global CEO, Rob Anderson, comments:

“The findings of this survey paint 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. 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. By addressing burnout, embracing true partnership with teleradiology companies, responsibly integrating artificial intelligence, and investing in the future of the profession, we are committed to supporting the radiology community.

Together, we can ensure the sustainability and advancement of radiology for years to come.”

Unlocking a sustainable future for radiology

Everlight Radiology unlocks a sustainable future for radiology by providing an ethical solution to the global talent shortage, retaining talent who have left their home healthcare systems to repatriate, relocate, retire or simply explore the world. The “follow the sun model” connects this global talent pool back into the healthcare systems they trained in, creating unrivalled radiologist capacity and flexible career opportunities.

Find out more about the report and how Everlight can support your community’s radiology services here.