title: Radiation therapy staffing model 2014.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In 2001, the Radiation Therapy Advisory Panel (RTAP) of the Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (ASMIRT) (formerly known as Australian Institute of Radiography) published a model for radiation therapist staffing in Australian radiation oncology departments. Between 2012-2013, the model was reviewed to ensure it reflected current radiation therapy practice, technology, and to facilitate forward planning of the radiation therapy workforce.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-four sites from all states participated and provided data on megavoltage simulation, planning and treatment delivery. For simulation and planning activity, the length of time to complete was collected against relevant Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items. For treatment delivery, time to complete activities was collected against a common set of activities. Modelling assumptions are clearly identified in the methodology.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A new model was developed retaining the essential model parameter of full-time equivalent (FTE) radiation therapists (RTs) per linear accelerator operating hour as in the 2001 model but based on contemporary practice and data. The model also includes significant refinements that improve the model's overall utility and flexibility for both workforce planning purposes and for individual services to use the model according to their own organisational needs and service delivery profiles.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The ASMIRT believes that the 2014 RT staffing model provides the utility and flexibility for radiation oncology services to best plan RT staffing establishments according to their needs and reflecting the diversity between services and within the sector. It should also provide a robust and valid basis for governments and service planners to use as a guide in workforce planning into the future.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, The Alfred, Prahran, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Leigh J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: Radiation Therapy Advisory Panel, Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (formerly Australian Institute of Radiography), Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.|Radiation Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kearvell
authors.affiliation: Radiation Therapy Advisory Panel, Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (formerly Australian Institute of Radiography), Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.|Illawarra Shoalhaven Cancer & Haematology Network, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Anthony J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Arnold
authors.affiliation: Radiation Therapy Advisory Panel, Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (formerly Australian Institute of Radiography), Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.|Cancer Care Services, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Kevina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Choma
authors.affiliation: Radiation Therapy Advisory Panel, Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (formerly Australian Institute of Radiography), Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.|Townsville Cancer Centre, Townsville Hospital, Douglas, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Aniko
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.affiliation: Radiation Therapy Advisory Panel, Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (formerly Australian Institute of Radiography), Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.|WP Holman Clinic, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
authors.forename: Michael R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Young
authors.affiliation: Radiation Therapy Advisory Panel, Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (formerly Australian Institute of Radiography), Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.|School of Health Sciences, International Centre for Allied Health Evidence (iCAHE), University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.
authors.forename: Donna L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Matthews
authors.affiliation: WP Holman Clinic, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
authors.forename: Bronwyn
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hilder
authors.affiliation: School of Health Sciences, International Centre for Allied Health Evidence (iCAHE), University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.
authors.forename: Debbie
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Howson
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, The Alfred, Prahran, Victoria, Australia.|Radiation Therapy Advisory Panel, Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (formerly Australian Institute of Radiography), Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Katherine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fox
authors.affiliation: Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research and Wellness Centre, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Katheryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Churcher
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D010559:Personnel Management / Q000592:standards*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D000072177:Radiologists / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000600:supply & distribution; D011871:Radiology / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D011878:Radiotherapy; D012955:Societies, Medical; D000078329:Workforce
keywords: Planning; radiation therapy; staffing model; workforce