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Sustainability of the Australian radiation oncology workforce: A survey of radiation therapists and radiation oncology medical physicists
Author(s) -
Halkett Georgia K.B.,
Berg Melissa N.,
Breen Lauren J.,
Cutt David,
Davis Michael,
Ebert Martin A.,
Hegney Desley,
House Michael,
Kearvell Rachel,
Lester Leanne,
Maresse Sharon,
McKay Jan
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
european journal of cancer care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.849
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1365-2354
pISSN - 0961-5423
DOI - 10.1111/ecc.12804
Subject(s) - workforce , medicine , workload , radiation oncology , promotion (chess) , radiation therapist , job satisfaction , medical education , nursing , oncology , psychology , management , radiation therapy , social psychology , politics , political science , law , economics , economic growth
This study aimed to determine and compare Radiation Therapists' ( RT s') and Radiation Oncology Medical Physicists' ( ROMP s') perspectives about their profession and workplace, satisfaction with career progression opportunities, and leaving the current workplace. RT s and ROMP s who were currently or had previously worked in Australia were invited to complete an online survey. Univariate and multivariate methods were used for analysis. Participants were 342 RT s and 112 ROMP s with estimated response rates of 14% and 26% respectively. Both professions rated workload poorly and identified the need for improvement in: communication between professions' members, support for junior staff/new graduates, staff morale, on‐site training and multidisciplinary communication. RT s, more than ROMP s, perceived their profession was recognised and respected, but RT s were less likely to be satisfied with career progression/advancement, job promotion prospects and opportunities to specialise. At least 20% of RT s and ROMP s were thinking about leaving their workplace and 13% of RT s and 8% of ROMP s were thinking about leaving their profession. Different factors contributed to workforce satisfaction and retention within each profession. Staff satisfaction and career progression are critical to retain RT s and ROMP s. Further research is required to explore strategies to address workplace dissatisfaction, recruitment and retention.