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The Australian BreastScreen workforce: a snapshot

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posted on 2025-05-08, 15:58 authored by S. Moran, H. Warren-Forward
Purpose: BreastScreen Australia programmes employ qualified, skilled radiographers who provide radiologists with high quality mammographic images for interpretation. Workforce issues are a key factor in productivity and capacity, particularly in light of the aging of the population and the possible expansion of the target age group. The purpose of this paper is to provide a snapshot of the demographics and current working practices of radiographers currently employed by BreastScreen Australia. Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to radiographers employed in BreastScreen Australia Services. This paper reports on responses to questions relating to demographics and current working practices. Results: Two hundred and fifty three questionnaires were returned. Of radiographers within Australian BreastScreen programmes 53% are over 50 years old, 69% were trained in Australia and have been undertaking mammography for 10 years or more. Radiographers under 35 years old make up 12% of the current workforce. Of the BreastScreen workforce, 63% are employed part time. Conclusion: An estimated 78% response rate implies that the data obtained from Australian radiographers currently working in BreastScreen is representative. Within the next five to ten years it is estimated that 30% of BreastScreen radiographers may retire. Strategies are needed to increase workforce numbers, in order to cope with increased participation rates due to population growth and an increased target age range.

History

Journal title

The Radiographer

Volume

59

Issue

1

Pagination

26-30

Publisher

Australian Institute of Radiography

Language

  • en, English

College/Research Centre

Faculty of Health

School

School of Health Sciences

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