Staffing levels : are specific levels required for safety, and can these be defined and enforced?

Abstract

This presentation explores whether specific radiographer staffing levels are required for patient and staff safety in European imaging and radiotherapy services and whether such levels can be realistically defined and enforced. It reviews rising imaging demand, workforce shortages (projected gap widening to ~16% by 2037), expanded radiographer roles, and the direct links between staffing and safety/quality. Drawing on the EU-REST project (171,306 radiographers across Europe, 7% retirement expected in 5 years), it highlights variations in equipment, case complexity, service hours, and national scopes of practice. A 7-step workload-based staffing framework using the WHO Workload Indicators of Staffing Need (WISN) method is proposed, with emphasis on risk-based rather than fixed-ratio models, data harmonisation, and strategies for workforce sustainability. Key messages stress that safe staffing is complex but essential for service quality, compliance, and retention.