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Workforce challenges across Victorian medical oncology services
Ian M Collins1,2, Rob Blum3, Eva Segelov4,5
1Southwest Oncology, Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia.
Internal Medicine Journal
|December 26, 2022
Summary
The medical oncology workforce in Victoria is insufficient for current and future cancer care demands. Urgent action is needed to address shortages and improve patient care standards.
Area of Science:
- Oncology Workforce Analysis
- Healthcare Management
- Cancer Care Delivery
Background:
- Rising cancer incidence and treatment complexity are increasing oncology workforce demands.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing pressures on healthcare professionals.
- Current oncology workforce capacity is strained, impacting service delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current medical oncology workforce in Victoria.
- To identify existing workforce shortfalls and predict future needs.
- To evaluate the impact of the pandemic on oncology services.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, observational study of adult cancer services in Victoria.
- Data collected via self-report in June 2020.
- Analysis focused on workforce, workload, and early pandemic effects.
Main Results:
- The average medical oncology workload is 242 new patients per full-time equivalent consultant, exceeding optimal levels.
- Significant workforce variations exist across different service sites.
- Universal adoption of safe prescribing practices, like electronic chemotherapy prescribing, is not yet achieved.
Conclusions:
- Victoria's medical oncology workforce is currently inadequate for existing and projected demands.
- Urgent interventions are required to prevent negative impacts on cancer care quality and outcomes.
- Improved data collection and novel workforce strategies are essential to address global shortages.
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