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

Abstract

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.

Peer support: A needs assessment for social support from trained peers in response to stress among medical physicists

“…This present study complements prior work done on the topic of burnout, as the reported rates of frequent or constant burnout are similar . Burnout appears to be a problematic area for peer support.…”

“…While the drivers and consequences of burnout within medical physicists are not well characterized, many medical physicists also share these chaotic work environments. It is postulated that these challenging conditions exist within the work life of the medical physicist as well, and in addition to this high workload, may contribute to the 40% burnout rate of medical physicists …”

Employing positive psychology to improve radiation therapy workplace culture

“…Australian RT research recognises the need to improve communication, peer support, morale, MDT integration, conflict resolution, bullying, and career advancement processes . Overcoming these barriers to staff engagement is vital for individual and organisational growth .…”

“…Overcoming these barriers to staff engagement is vital for individual and organisational growth . Possible strategies may include initiating a peer‐support group, collaborative decision‐making, counselling provision, staff recognition, debriefing, incentive programs and resilience training . Improvement of working conditions – staffing levels, pay, flexibility, development opportunities and department structure – may also benefit staff cohesion.…”

“…Data are scarce on Australian RT retention, however, 2009 projections of ‘extremely high’ attrition and a ‘very tight employment market’ may likely persist . 2017 data suggested that 20% of RTs were considering leaving their current workplace, and 13% were contemplating departure from the profession . Dissatisfaction is attributed to perceived monotonous roles/responsibilities, limited progression opportunities, and occupational burnout/distress .…”