Radiation therapists' and radiation oncology medical physicists' perceptions of work and the working environment in Australia: a qualitative study
Article
Article Title | Radiation therapists' and radiation oncology medical physicists' perceptions of work and the working environment in Australia: a qualitative study |
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ERA Journal ID | 13513 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Halkett, G. K. B. (Author), McKay, J. (Author), Hegney, D. G. (Author), Breen, Lauren J. (Author), Berg, M. (Author), Ebert, M. A. (Author), Davis, M. (Author) and Kearvell, R. (Author) |
Journal Title | European Journal of Cancer Care |
Journal Citation | 26 (5), p. 12511 |
Number of Pages | 11 |
Year | 2017 |
Publisher | John Wiley & Sons |
Place of Publication | United Kingdom |
ISSN | 0961-5423 |
1365-2354 | |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1111/ecc.12511 |
Web Address (URL) | http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1365-2354/earlyview |
Abstract | Workforce recruitment and retention are issues in radiation oncology. The working environment is likely to have an impact on retention; however, there is a lack of research in this area. The objectives of this study were to: investigate radiation therapists’ (RTs) and radiation oncology medical physicists’ (ROMPs) perceptions of work and the working environment; and determine the factors that influence the ability of RTs and ROMPs to undertake their work and how these factors affect recruitment and retention. Semi- structured interviews were conducted and thematic analysis was used. Twenty-eight RTs and 21 ROMPs participated. The overarching themes were delivering care, support in work, working conditions and lifestyle. The overarching themes were mostly consistent across both groups; however, the exemplars reflected the different roles and perspectives of RTs and ROMPs. Participants described the importance they placed on treating patients and improving their lives. Working conditions were sometimes difficult with participants reporting pressure at work, large workloads and longer hours and overtime. Insufficient staff numbers impacted on the effectiveness of staff, the working environment and intentions to stay. Staff satisfaction is likely to be improved if changes are made to the working environment. We make recommendations that may assist departments to support RTs and ROMPs. |
Keywords | workforce; working environment; radiation oncology; qualitative methods |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 429999. Other health sciences not elsewhere classified |
Public Notes | Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions. |
Byline Affiliations | Curtin University |
School of Nursing and Midwifery | |
Department of Health, Western Australia | |
Genesis Cancer Care, Australia | |
Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q37x9/radiation-therapists-and-radiation-oncology-medical-physicists-perceptions-of-work-and-the-working-environment-in-australia-a-qualitative-study
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