The shortage of medical oncologists: the Australian Medical Oncologist Workforce Study

Abstract

To determine current and projected supply, demand and shortfall of medical oncologists (MOs) and the Australian chemotherapy utilisation rate. A 2009cross-sectional observational study of Australian adult medical oncology practice work patterns. Electronic or paper self-administered questionnaire. The 2009and projected (2014) supply, demand and shortfall of full-time equivalent (FTE) MOs, and the chemotherapy utilisation rate. 476medical oncology positions comprising 234FTE MOs were identified. Of the 150medical oncology practices, 117(78%) were in metropolitan locations and 33(22%) were in rural locations. The average number of new patients seen per FTE MO was 270patients (ranging by state from 191to 343). The demand for FTE MOs was estimated at 326to 391in 2009and 361to 432in 2014. The shortfall of FTE MOs was estimated at 92to 157in 2009and 84to 156in 2014. The chemotherapy utilisation rate was 19%. The current shortage of MOs is expected to persist in the future. National strategies are needed to increase the capacity of the medical oncology workforce and the chemotherapy utilisation rate.