Radiographers' turnover in Tanzania: a mixed-methods protocol on predictors, intentions and retention strategies.

INTRODUCTION: Radiographers are vital healthcare professionals accountable for performing diagnostic and therapeutic healthcare services using both ionising and non-ionising technologies. A well-trained and stable radiography workforce is essential for strengthening health systems, improving patient outcomes and advancing progress towards Universal Health Coverage. However, healthcare systems are facing workforce shortages in particular in low- and middle-income countries as a result of low production and turnover. Studies to understand the drivers of workforce turnover are scarce, in particular for the radiography staff. This study aims to investigate radiographers’ turnover, predictors, intentions and retention strategies in Tanzania.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study will employ a cross-sectional convergent parallel mixed-methods design to collect and analyse quantitative and qualitative data separately, then integrated at interpretation stage. A structured questionnaire will be used to collect quantitative data from radiographers working in eight geographical zones of the country. Concurrently, qualitative data will adopt an exploratory design to gain in-depth understanding from radiographers, employers, professional bodies, hospital administrators/managers and other stakeholders to explore their personal experiences and perspectives on radiographers’ turnover, turnover intentions, predictors and retention strategies. Quantitative data will be analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data will be analysed using thematic analysis.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study participants provided written informed consent before data collection. All recorded data will be stored on a secured research server accessible only to the investigators. Ethical approval has been obtained from the National Institute of Medical Research. The findings of this study will inform policymakers, researchers and implementers in the country on radiographers’ turnover and retention strategies. We will disseminate our findings through publications, conferences, workshops and interactive communication with national, regional, council and health facility planning teams.