Clinical Training Stress in Radiologic Technology and Other Health Profession Students

PURPOSE: To validate the application of the Japanese version of the Clinical Stress Questionnaire developed at Kagoshima University (CSQ-KU) in a multiprofessional population, focusing on the comparison of anticipatory stress levels across disciplines and determining stress in a large cohort of radiologic technology students. METHODS: This prospective cohort study was conducted with 201 first-time clinical practicum students from 5 programs at a medical college, including a large cohort from radiologic technology (n 5 73). Participants completed the CSQ-KU at baseline and after the first day of clinical practice. Psychometric properties were evaluated, and stress scores were compared across disciplines at baseline and follow-up. RESULTS: The CSQ-KU demonstrated strong validity and reliability in this multiprofessional sample. At baseline, significant differences in stress levels were observed among disciplines (P 5 .01). Physical therapy students reported the highest stress levels, which were significantly higher than those observed in radiologic technology students (P 5 .04). After 1 day of clinical practice, overall stress decreased (P , .001), primarily owing to a reduction in threat appraisals and an increase in challenge appraisals. DISCUSSION: The CSQ-KU was shown to be a valid instrument for assessing stress among students of radiologic sciences and other health care professions. The finding that radiologic technology students reported lower anticipatory stress compared with their physical therapy peers offers a new perspective for radiologic technology educators. CONCLUSION: The CSQ-KU can assist in identifying and supporting students at risk for psychological stress during radiologic technology education.