The evolution of radiographers—an investigation into radiographers’ role and perspectives: a EuroAIM/EFRS survey
Abstract
Radiographers play a central role within clinical imaging and radiotherapy teams, acting as a key interface between patients and increasingly complex technologies. As healthcare systems evolve, their scope of practice is expanding alongside advances in digital workflows, artificial intelligence (AI) and new models of care. This EuroAIM/EFRS survey provides a comprehensive European overview of radiographers’ roles, professional autonomy, research engagement and perspectives on AI. Based on responses from 1548 radiographers across multiple countries, the findings highlight substantial clinical autonomy and strong responsibility for image quality optimisation and radiation protection, alongside limited but growing involvement in research activities. More than half of the participants expressed interest in greater research participation, indicating a gap between current opportunities and professional aspirations. Responses regarding AI were generally positive, with many participants expecting it to enhance their professional roles, although expectations regarding its workforce impact remained heterogeneous. The survey also confirms the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on professional practice and highlights variability in perceived career development opportunities. These findings describe a profession in transition, characterised by increasing responsibilities and technological integration and underscore the need for continued investment in education, structured career frameworks and research capacity to support radiographers in an increasingly complex healthcare environment.
Key Points: Question What are radiographers’ current roles, autonomy, research engagement and perspectives on emerging technologies within a changing imaging and radiotherapy workforce?
Findings In 1548 participants, radiographers reported substantial autonomy and responsibility, limited research involvement, positive but heterogeneous AI expectations and variable career opportunities.
Critical Relevance Statement This EuroAIM/EFRS survey informs radiology practice by identifying radiographers’ professional development, education and research needs and by supporting structured career frameworks and interprofessional workforce planning.
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BibTeX
@article{cornacchione2026evolution,
title = {{The evolution of radiographers—an investigation into radiographers’ role and perspectives: a EuroAIM/EFRS survey}},
author = {Patrizia Cornacchione and Moreno Zanardo and Christina Malamateniou and Helle Precht and Katy June Knight and Francesco Sardanelli and Karen Knapp},
journal = {Insights into Imaging},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1186/s13244-026-02442-x},
url = {https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13244-026-02442-x},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - The evolution of radiographers—an investigation into radiographers’ role and perspectives: a EuroAIM/EFRS survey
AU - Patrizia Cornacchione
AU - Moreno Zanardo
AU - Christina Malamateniou
AU - Helle Precht
AU - Katy June Knight
AU - Francesco Sardanelli
AU - Karen Knapp
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/30
JO - Insights into Imaging
DO - 10.1186/s13244-026-02442-x
UR - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13244-026-02442-x
AB - Radiographers play a central role within clinical imaging and radiotherapy teams, acting as a key interface between patients and increasingly complex technologies. As healthcare systems evolve, their scope of practice is expanding alongside advances in digital workflows, artificial intelligence (AI) and new models of care. This EuroAIM/EFRS survey provides a comprehensive European overview of radiographers’ roles, professional autonomy, research engagement and perspectives on AI. Based on responses from 1548 radiographers across multiple countries, the findings highlight substantial clinical autonomy and strong responsibility for image quality optimisation and radiation protection, alongside limited but growing involvement in research activities. More than half of the participants expressed interest in greater research participation, indicating a gap between current opportunities and professional aspirations. Responses regarding AI were generally positive, with many participants expecting it to enhance their professional roles, although expectations regarding its workforce impact remained heterogeneous. The survey also confirms the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on professional practice and highlights variability in perceived career development opportunities. These findings describe a profession in transition, characterised by increasing responsibilities and technological integration and underscore the need for continued investment in education, structured career frameworks and research capacity to support radiographers in an increasingly complex healthcare environment. Key Points: Question What are radiographers’ current roles, autonomy, research engagement and perspectives on emerging technologies within a changing imaging and radiotherapy workforce? Findings In 1548 participants, radiographers reported substantial autonomy and responsibility, limited research involvement, positive but heterogeneous AI expectations and variable career opportunities. Critical Relevance Statement This EuroAIM/EFRS survey informs radiology practice by identifying radiographers’ professional development, education and research needs and by supporting structured career frameworks and interprofessional workforce planning.
SN - 1869-4101
ER -