title: Part-time consultants in radiation oncology.
abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the attitudes and experiences of staff towards radiation oncologists who work part-time. A questionnaire was sent to all radiation oncologists, radiation oncology registrars and radiation therapists, and a nursing and clerical representative working in all radiation oncology departments throughout Australia and New Zealand. Of 1242 questionnaires, 446 (35.9%) were returned. Of these, 323 out of 435 respondents (74.2%) supported the concept of a radiation oncologist working part-time. The main barriers to part-time work were inadequate provision of cover, the inability to be contacted when not rostered on, and perceived reduced quality of patient care. The majority of respondents supported part-time employment in radiation oncology. However, the conclusions made from this survey are limited by the poor response rate. For a successful part-time career in radiation oncology, the following points need to be ensured: (i) an equitable pro-rata workload that encompasses both clinical and non-clinical duties; (ii) a clear and well-publicized timetable that is strictly adhered to with special emphasis on completing work prior to non-rostered days; (iii) clear mechanisms in place to deal with patient or other queries on non-rostered days; (iv) a mechanism for being contacted for urgent problems; and (v) good communication between the part-time radiation oncologist, other staff and patients.
authors.affiliation: Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. shalini.vinod@swsahs.nsw.gov.au
authors.forename: Shalini K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Vinod
authors.forename: Bin B
authors.initials: BB
authors.lastname: Jalaludin
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rodger
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Turner
authors.forename: Lyndell
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Thornton
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Clark
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D018787:Radiation Oncology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires