A workforce survey of New Zealand medical oncologists.

Aim: There is wide recognition that the challenge of providing health care into the future requires planning for a sustainable workforce particularly in the context of increasing service demand. The Medical Oncology Work Group (MOWG) undertook a survey of vocationally registered medical oncologists which aimed to support future workforce planning and the development of models of care.

Methods: The survey was developed and carried out by the MOWG in conjunction with the Ministry of Health during 2009. Medical oncologists were sent the survey and forwarded unnamed completed responses to one of the authors (SB).

Results: A total of 33 out of 40 practising medical oncologists completed the survey, representing an 82% response rate. The survey found that there is an emerging movement from a male-dominated workforce largely working full time, to a workforce with a higher proportion of females and part-time workers. The median full-time medical oncologist in New Zealand was responsible for 220 first specialist assessments (FSAs) per annum, 40 more than the number considered reasonable by the surveyed practitioners. In qualitative responses, medical oncologists expressed frustration with lack of resources and high workloads that constrained their ability to appropriately deploy their skills and undertake teaching and research. Positive aspects included collegial collaboration and patient contact. Prominent suggestions for improving job satisfaction included use of skilled administrative staff or nurse specialists to free up time for oncologists to better use their skills.

Conclusion: The survey highlights high clinical workload and frustration within the medical oncology workforce. In addition there is increasing service demand. This survey has formed the basis of work to develop new models of care in medical oncology.