Exploring staff recruitment and retention in radiation therapy: global insights from an ESTRO RTT workshop

Reduced recruitment and retention of radiation therapists (RTT) significantly impacts patient care and the profession. The European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology RTT workshop explored professional motivation, early career experiences, progression and continuous education, and job satisfaction. Participants were initially motivated by working in a specialised, technology-driven field and making a meaningful patient impact, later shifting toward team-oriented goals. Addressing these evolving motivations is key to improving retention. Suggested strategies include fostering belonging during student placements, enhancing graduate onboarding, ensuring equal access to research and education funding, and enabling leadership autonomy to provide protected time from clinical duties.