Professional practice, training, and role development of radiographers in interventional radiology and cardiology: An international survey across Europe

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dc.contributor.authorMcFadden, S.
dc.contributor.authorKarera, A.
dc.contributor.authorGreer, E.
dc.contributor.authorMcLaughlin, Laura
dc.contributor.authorRainey, Clare
dc.contributor.authorMcNulty, J. P.
dc.contributor.funderEuropean Federation of Radiographer Societies
dc.contributor.funderEuropean Society of Radiology, ESR
dc.date.accessioned2026-07-01T12:50:01Z
dc.date.available2026-07-01T12:50:01Z
dc.date.issued2026-01-05
dc.description.abstractIntroduction: Radiographers are now key members of interventional radiology (IR) and interventional cardiology (IC) teams, taking on tasks that go beyond image acquisition. These include radiation protection, assisting in procedures and patient care. However, training and regulation for these expanded roles are variable, leading to differences in practice and raising concerns for safety and mobility. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was used to investigate radiographers' training, practice scope and technology access in IR and IC across Europe. A 31-item online questionnaire was distributed via professional networks, social media and EFRS research hubs at the European Congress of Radiology (2024–2025). Descriptive statistics were utilised, and open-text comments thematically grouped. Results: Ninety-one radiographers from 12 countries responded, with the majority based in the UK (46 %) and Ireland (19 %). Marked differences were noted in training, with 23 % reporting no formal IR/IC education. Technology access also varied, as nearly half worked with fluoroscopy systems older than five years, limiting dose-saving options. Radiation protection practice was inconsistent; just over half (53 %) used pulsed fluoroscopy routinely, while 27 % reported not removing anti-scatter grids for paediatric cases. Scope of practice showed further fragmentation, with advanced clinical functions only reported by a minority. Conclusion: This study demonstrates wide variations in training, equipment quality, and role scope among radiographers practicing in IR and IC across Europe. Such inconsistencies directly impact radiation safety, patient outcomes and the ability of staff to move freely across borders. Without structured frameworks, radiographers may lack key competences in dose optimisation, paediatric safety and procedural support, exposing patients and staff to avoidable risks. Implications of practice: A harmonised European framework is needed to support safe radiation practice and improve care consistency.en
dc.description.sponsorshipThe authors gratefully acknowledge the members of the EFRS Interventional Radiology Working Group for their valuable input during the initial project discussions. We also extend our sincere thanks to the European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS) for their support in survey distribution and the European Society of Radiology for facilitating data collection through the EFRS Research Hub at the European Congress of Radiology 2025.
dc.description.versionPublished Version
dc.format.extent8
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdfen
dc.identifier.articleid103315
dc.identifier.authororcidMcFadden, S.
dc.identifier.authororcidKarera, A.
dc.identifier.authororcidGreer, E.
dc.identifier.authororcidMcLaughlin, Laura§0000-0001-7825-6821
dc.identifier.authororcidRainey, Clare§0000-0003-0449-8646
dc.identifier.authororcidMcNulty, J. P.
dc.identifier.citationMcFadden, S, Karera, A, Greer, E, McLaughlin, L, Rainey, C & McNulty, J P 2026, 'Professional practice, training, and role development of radiographers in interventional radiology and cardiology: An international survey across Europe', Radiography, vol. 32, no. 4, 103315, pp. 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2025.103315
dc.identifier.doi10.1016/j.radi.2025.103315
dc.identifier.endpage8
dc.identifier.issn1078-8174
dc.identifier.issued4
dc.identifier.journaltitleRadiography
dc.identifier.otherORCID: /0000-0001-7825-6821/work/201487980
dc.identifier.otherORCID: /0000-0003-0449-8646/work/219410264
dc.identifier.startpage1
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10468/18986
dc.identifier.volume32
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherW.B. Saunders Ltd
dc.relation.urihttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2025.103315
dc.rights© 2025, The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The College of Radiographers. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
dc.rights.accessrightsopen access
dc.rights.licensenameAttribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
dc.rights.urihttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
dc.statusPeer reviewed
dc.subjectInterventional cardiology
dc.subjectInterventional radiology
dc.subjectRadiation protection
dc.subjectRadiographer training
dc.subjectWorkforce mobility
dc.subject[Medicine]
dc.titleProfessional practice, training, and role development of radiographers in interventional radiology and cardiology: An international survey across Europeen
dc.typeArticle (peer-reviewed)
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