Distribution and Location Stability of the Australian Ophthalmology Workforce: 2014-2019

Overview

Journal Int J Environ Res Public Health

Publisher MDPI

Specialties Environmental Health
Public Health

Date 2021 Dec 10

PMID 34886297

Citations 2

Authors

Penny Allen

Belinda Jessup

Santosh Khanal

Victoria Baker-Smith

Kehinde Obamiro

Tony Barnett

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the ophthalmology workforce distribution and location stability using Modified Monash Model category of remoteness.

Methods: Whole of ophthalmologist workforce analysis using Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency (AHPRA) data. Modified Monash Model (MMM) category was mapped to postcode of primary work location over a six-year period (2014 to 2019). MMM stability was investigated using survival analysis and competing risks regression.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Australia.

Participants: Ophthalmologists registered with AHPRA.

Main Outcome Measures: Retention within MMM category of primary work location.

Results: A total of 948 ophthalmologists were identified (767 males, 181 females). Survival estimates indicate 84% of ophthalmologists remained working in MMM1, while 79% of ophthalmologists working in MMM2-MMM7remained in these regions during the six-year period.

Conclusion: The Australian ophthalmology workforce shows a high level of location stability and is concentrated in metropolitan areas of Australia. Investment in policy initiatives designed to train, recruit and retain ophthalmologists in regional, rural and remote areas is needed to improve workforce distribution outside of metropolitan areas.

Citing Articles

Ophthalmology workforce over a decade in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: demographics, distribution, and future challenges.

Aldebasi T, Alhejji A, Bukhari B, Alawad N, Alghaihab S, Alakel R Hum Resour Health. 2024; 22(1):19.

PMID: 38439073 PMC: 10913636. DOI: 10.1186/s12960-024-00902-3.

Considerations for Training and Workforce Development to Enhance Rural and Remote Ophthalmology Practise in Australia: A Scoping Review.

Obamiro K, Jessup B, Allen P, Baker-Smith V, Khanal S, Barnett T Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022; 19(14).

PMID: 35886446 PMC: 9315488. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148593.

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