Where do ophthalmologists practice and how long do they work there? An analysis using modified Monash model rurality classifications

摘要

Purpose: To investigate ophthalmologist workforce distribution and location stability in Australia. Methods: Longitudinal analysis of AHPRA Primary Place of Practice and cross-sectional investigation of RANZCO sub-speciality data. Modified Monash Model (MMM) category was mapped to postcode of primary work location over a six-year period (2014 to 2019). Results: The AHPRA data included 948 ophthalmologists. In 2019 75.9 worked in MMM1, 8.0 in MMM2, 5.5 in MMM3 and 0.5 in MMM4. 83 of ophthalmologists remained in the same MMM category continuously from 2014 to 2019. During the six-year study period, 84 of ophthalmologists remained working in MMM1, 83 in MMM2 and 76 in MMM3. Despite the small numbers, all of the ophthalmologists working in MMM4 stayed at least two years and 83 stayed three years. Sub-speciality workforce distribution could not be determined due to incomplete data (optional self-report). Conclusion: Ophthalmologists are concentrated in metropolitan areas and have a high level of location stability. Investment in policy initiatives is needed to recruit and retain ophthalmologists in regional, rural and remote areas. Robust sub-specialist workforce data is needed at college level to accurately map sub-specialists' location.