TU-F-213AB-01: Diagnostic Workforce and Manpower Survey

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiology
• Healthcare Workforce Analysis

Background:

• AAPM Report No. 33 on Diagnostic Radiology Physics staffing is over 20 years old.
• There is a need to update data on diagnostic physicist workload and resource allocation.
• Previous studies in Radiation Oncology (Abt study) have successfully quantified physics services for reimbursement and justification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) diagnostic physicists required for clinical support of various imaging modalities.
• To estimate the cost of diagnostic physics services per patient examination.
• To provide updated data crucial for the future of diagnostic physicists in a changing healthcare landscape.

Main Methods:

• The Diagnostic Work and Workforce Study Subcommittee (DWWSS) conducted a new survey.
• Data collection focused on quality control, acceptance testing, radiation safety, and clinical functions.
• Analysis included calculating FTE support per imaging unit and cost per patient procedure.

Main Results:

• Preliminary results indicate a median annual physics support of 0.007 FTE (12.6 hours) per CT scanner.
• The estimated cost for physics support of CT procedures is $0.27 per examination.
• These findings aim to quantify and justify the value of physics efforts in diagnostic radiology.

Conclusions:

• The DWWSS study provides essential updated data on diagnostic physics staffing and costs.
• This information can be used to justify physics services and inform staffing decisions.
• The findings are vital for recognizing and appreciating the contributions of diagnostic physicists.