Mapping the migrant diagnostic radiographers in the UK: A national survey

The international recruitment of healthcare workers remains a UK strategy to manage workforce gaps and maintain service delivery. Although not a new phenomenon, this has been exacerbated by chronic shortages. There is a need to profile the current international recruits and identify individual motivators to understand the opportunities for future recruitment and retention initiatives.

A UK-wide electronic survey was conducted using the Jisc platform. The survey was promoted using social media and researcher networks. Eligibility criteria were diagnostic radiographers, internationally educated, and currently working in the UK.

226 responses were received. Most were working in England (90.7%) and 58.0% were under 35 years of age. The majority had migrated having moved to the UK since 2020 (63.7%) and the main drivers were career and/or training opportunities. Initial education was in 30 different countries, the highest number originating from Africa and Asia, with a median of 6 years post-qualification experience (IQR 4-11yrs). Despite experience, most were employed in band 5 (n = 72) or band 6 posts (n = 95). 56% had postgraduate qualifications on entry and a third had undertaken postgraduate study in the UK.

Based on the survey responses, the profile of internationally recruited diagnostic radiographers is relatively young but with pre-migration experience originating all over the globe. They are motivated to work in the UK particular for career progression opportunities.

This study provides an insight into the motivations, demographics and employment patterns of internationally recruited radiographers working in the UK.