Medical physics aspects of cancer care in the Asia Pacific region: 2014 survey results

Workforce recruitment and retention are issues in radiation oncology. The working environment is likely to have an impact on retention; however, there is a lack of research in this area. The objectives of this study were to: investigate radiation therapists' (RTs) and radiation oncology medical physicists' (ROMPs) perceptions of work and the working environment; and determine the factors that influence the ability of RTs and ROMPs to undertake their work and how these factors affect recruitment and retention. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and thematic analysis was used. Twenty-eight RTs and 21 ROMPs participated. The overarching themes were delivering care, support in work, working conditions and lifestyle. The overarching themes were mostly consistent across both groups; however, the exemplars reflected the different roles and perspectives of RTs and ROMPs. Participants described the importance they placed on treating patients and improving their lives. Working conditions were sometimes difficult with participants reporting pressure at work, large workloads and longer hours and overtime. Insufficient staff numbers impacted on the effectiveness of staff, the working environment and intentions to stay. Staff satisfaction is likely to be improved if changes are made to the working environment. We make recommendations that may assist departments to support RTs and ROMPs.

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“…; Kron et al . ). In this study, working conditions and workload were an issue for both RTs and ROMPs.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Radiation therapists' and radiation oncology medical physicists' perceptions of work and the working environment in Australia: a qualitative study

et al. 2016

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“…Previous studies of radiation oncology staff have reported that job satisfaction might be improved if organisational stressors such as lack of recognition and support from management were improved (Jasperse et al, 2014;Kron et al, 2015). Previous studies of radiation oncology staff have reported that job satisfaction might be improved if organisational stressors such as lack of recognition and support from management were improved (Jasperse et al, 2014;Kron et al, 2015).…”

Section: Implications For Workforce Planningmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sustainability of the Australian radiation oncology workforce: A survey of radiation therapists and radiation oncology medical physicists

et al. 2018

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This study aimed to determine and compare Radiation Therapists' (RTs') and Radiation Oncology Medical Physicists' (ROMPs') perspectives about their profession and workplace, satisfaction with career progression opportunities, and leaving the current workplace. RTs and ROMPs 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 RTs and 112 ROMPs 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. RTs, more than ROMPs, perceived their profession was recognised and respected, but RTs were less likely to be satisfied with career progression/advancement, job promotion prospects and opportunities to specialise. At least 20% of RTs and ROMPs were thinking about leaving their workplace and 13% of RTs and 8% of ROMPs 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 RTs and ROMPs. Further research is required to explore strategies to address workplace dissatisfaction, recruitment and retention.

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“…Between 2008 and 2014, the number of radiation oncology medical physicists in Australia and New Zealand increased from 268 to 407 (52%) [20]. In the same period, the number of treatment machines in Australia increased from 130 to approximately 185 (42%) (see Fig.…”

Section: Clinical Physics Staffingmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…In the last ten years, we have continued to be "early adopters" of new technologies, including frameless stereotactic radiosurgery Currently, Australia and New Zealand have some of the highest rates of MV treatment machines per capita in the Asia-Pacific region [20]. In the past 10 years, there has been a substantial increase in the number of MV treatment machines in Australia, some of which has been due to the opening up of new centres, especially in isolated regions not previously serviced by nearby radiation oncology facilities.…”

Section: Extension Of Servicesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…3 Although research has been identified as an expected practise for clinical medical physicists [32], the ability to offer genuine research opportunities remains a key selling point, for centres attempting to recruit medical physicists. Participation in research has been linked to job satisfaction among medical physicists [20,33] and the availability of physicists with research experience has been recognised as necessary for taking full advantage of available technology in the clinic [34].…”

Section: Clinical Physics Staffingmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Medical physics publishing in a changing research environment: the Australasian Physical & Engineering Sciences in Medicine 40th anniversary editorial

Crowe

Kairn

2017

Australas Phys Eng Sci Med

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Medical physics aspects of cancer care in the Asia Pacific region: 2014 survey results

Cited by 13 publications

References 23 publications

Radiation therapists' and radiation oncology medical physicists' perceptions of work and the working environment in Australia: a qualitative study

Radiation therapists' and radiation oncology medical physicists' perceptions of work and the working environment in Australia: a qualitative study

Sustainability of the Australian radiation oncology workforce: A survey of radiation therapists and radiation oncology medical physicists

Medical physics publishing in a changing research environment: the Australasian Physical & Engineering Sciences in Medicine 40th anniversary editorial

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