Survey on the radiotherapy dosimetrist workforce in France: Present state and perspectives

The purpose of the study was to give an overview of the radiotherapy dosimetrist workforce in France, to provide quantitative indicators that can support actions or decisions aimed at better recognizing this profession in France.

A survey was addressed to dosimetrists working in France (metropolitan France and overseas departments and territories) from April to May 2023. This survey covered four themes: (1) workplaces, staffing levels, and demographic data; (2) tasks performed; (3) training and status; (4) respondents' expectations.

A total of 239 people completed all or parts of the survey. Seventy-five percents of respondents were part of a team of at least three dosimetrists. Ninety percents of participants were under 50 years old and 75 % had more than 5 years of experience. A majority (61 %) of respondents reported to only perform treatment planning tasks. Apart from this, image fusion (75 %) and patient quality controls (54 %) were predominant. Before being dosimetrists, 54 % of respondents had been radiation therapy technologists. Fifty-six percents held a dosimetrist diploma. For 36 % of participants, salary grids differed within the same centre.

This is the first survey to provide an overview of the dosimetrist profession in France. It underlines a wide variety of career paths, profiles, and statuses. This situation highlights the need to raise awareness on this profession in order to guarantee the quality and safety of radiotherapy care. A French version of this article is available as supplementary material.