Abstract
Purpose The evaluation of Medical Physics Experts (MPE) number in Medical Physics Departments (MPD) is crucial, especially in the light of European Directive 59-2013. An objective criterion to set the minimum staffing levels (MSL) for MPE is required. Methods In April 2016 the European Federation for Medical Physics (EFOMP) set the Policy Statement 7.1 on MPE role and responsibilities, including criteria for evaluating MSL for total MPE (18/mil population) and for sub-specialties (9, 2, 5, 2/mil for radiation therapy-RT, nuclear medicine-NM, radiology-RAD, radiation protection-RP). A datasheet file (DF) for MPE MSL was also provided. The Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica (AIFM) in 2017 asked to Italian MPDs (160) the compilation of the DF. The Italian territory was divided into 16 areas roughly corresponding to regions/macro-regions. The collection of DF was scored as complete (100%), almost-complete (85–100%), partial (50–85%), poor ( Results 107 compiled DFs were collected (67%). DF collection was complete, almost-complete, partial, poor and null in 3/16, 1/16, 6/16, 3/16 and 1/16 areas, respectively. By averaging the total MPE estimated by EFOMP algorithm for complete and almost-complete areas, we obtained 26.6/mil (20.7–38.5/mil) while the actually MPEs present were on average 13.4/mil (11.3–16.8/mil), indicating an actual overall need of MPE in these areas. The average MPE estimated for sub-specialties were: 15.4, 3.0, 3.4 and 0.4 MPE/mil for RT, NM, DR and RP, respectively. Conclusions EFOMP algorithm provides an overall overestimation of total MPE of about 40% when compared with the MSL recommended (18 MPE/mil). The estimated MPE for sub-specialties indicates an overestimation for RT and an underestimation for RP.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call