title: Faculty of Radiation Oncology 2014 Workforce Census: a comparison of New Zealand and Australian responses.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This paper outlines the key results of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) Faculty of Radiation Oncology (FRO) 2014 workforce census, and compares the results of New Zealand and Australian responses in order to identify similarities and differences in workforce characteristics.
  
  
  METHODS
  The workforce census was conducted online in mid-2014. The census was distributed to all radiation oncologists (Fellows, life members, educational affiliates, retired) and radiation oncology trainees on the RANZCR membership database. Six weekly reminders were sent to non-respondents and all responses were aggregated for analysis. This paper addresses only consultant radiation oncologist responses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The combined response rate for New Zealand radiation oncologists was 85.7% (compared with 76% from Australian respondents). The census found that the demographic characteristics of New Zealand and Australian radiation oncologists are similar. Points of difference include (i) the role of educational affiliates in New Zealand, (ii) New Zealand radiation oncologists reporting higher hours spent at work, (iii) New Zealand radiation oncologists spending a higher proportion of time on clinical duties, (iv) A lower proportion of New Zealand radiation oncologists with higher degrees, and (v) private/ public workplace mix.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A comparison by country would suggest that there are many similarities, but also some important differences that may affect workforce issues in New Zealand. Separate datasets are useful for RANZCR to better inform members, governments and other key stakeholders in each country. Separate datasets also provide a basis for comparison with future surveys to facilitate the monitoring of trends.
authors.affiliation: Canterbury Blood and Haematology Service, Christchurch Hospital, Locked Bag 4710, Christchurch 8001, New Zealand. Melissa.james@cdhb.govt.nz.
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: James
authors.forename: Philip M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Munro
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Leung
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006280:Health Workforce / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018787:Radiation Oncology; D016526:Workload / Q000706:statistics & numerical data