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Report of the ACPSEM radiation oncology medical physics workforce modelling project task group

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Abstract

The ACPSEM radiation oncology medical physics workforce modelling project task group was formed to acquire a snapshot of practices in Australia and New Zealand and to develop an activity-based workforce model. To achieve this, two surveys were carried out, capturing the work practices of 98 radiation oncology departments and 182 college members. The member survey provided a snapshot of the current workforce: their demographics, work conditions, professional recognition, and future plans. The facility survey provided an Australian and New Zealand contextualisation of the volume-based activities defined in the International Atomic Energy Agency activity-based radiation oncology staffing model at a granular level. An ACPSEM ROMP workforce model was developed to be a modelling tool applicable at both the facility and sector levels.

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Abbreviations

2D, 3D, 4D:

Two-, three- and four- dimensional

ACPSEM:

Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine

ARW:

ACPSEM ROMP Workforce

CPD:

Continuing professional development

CT:

Computed tomography

EBRT:

External beam radiotherapy

FTE:

Full time equivalent

IAEA:

International Atomic Energy Agency

IVD:

In vivo dosimetry

IMRT:

Intensity modulated radiotherapy

MRI:

Magnetic resonance imaging

PET:

Positron emission tomography

QA:

Quality Assurance

ROMP:

Radiation Oncology Medical Physicist

SABR:

Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy

SRS:

Stereotactic radiosurgery

TEAP:

Training, Education and Assessment Program

VMAT:

Volumetric modulated arc therapy

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Acknowledgements

The ACPSEM wishes to express its gratitude to the members and directors of radiotherapy departments that completed the member and facilities surveys. The authors would like to thank Dr. Kym Rykers and Sharon Flynn for reviewing the report on behalf of the ACPSEM.

Funding

The project was supported financially as part of the 2018–2020 Supporting Medical Physics grant program by the Australian Department of Health.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cancer Care Services, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia

    Scott Crowe

  2. Icon Group, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia

    Trent Aland

  3. Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

    Lotte Fog

  4. Wellington Regional Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand

    Lynne Greig

  5. Adem Crosby Centre, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Birtinya, QLD, Australia

    Lynsey Hamlett

  6. Sunshine Hospital Radiation Therapy Centre, St. Albans, VIC, Australia

    Jenny Lydon

  7. GenesisCare Western Australia, Wembley, WA, Australia

    David Waterhouse

  8. Venndelta Pty Ltd, Sydney, NSW, Australia

    Darren Doromal & Adam Sawers

  9. Australian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine, Sydney, NSW, Australia

    Howell Round

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  1. Scott Crowe
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  2. Trent Aland
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  3. Lotte Fog
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  4. Lynne Greig
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  7. David Waterhouse
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  8. Darren Doromal
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  10. Howell Round
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Contributions

DD and AS designed and distributed the survey instrument, validated results, and provided analysis of the data. HR supervised the project and provided guidance. Task group members SC, TA, LH, LG, LF, JL and DW provided clinical context. All authors collaborated on development of the survey instrument, writing the manuscript, and reviewed the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Scott Crowe.

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Conflict of interest

DD and AS are consultants contracted to complete the work described in this report (as Venndelta Pty Ltd). HR was contracted by the ACPSEM to direct the task group efforts. Task group members SC, TA, LH, LG, LF, JL and DW are employed as ROMPs in a clinical setting.

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Crowe, S., Aland, T., Fog, L. et al. Report of the ACPSEM radiation oncology medical physics workforce modelling project task group. Phys Eng Sci Med 44, 1013–1025 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13246-021-01078-z

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