Urban-rural geographic distribution of Otorhinolaryngologist, Head and Neck surgeons in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Abstract

Aim: We identified geographic distribution of Otorhinolaryngologist, Head and Neck surgeons in Aotearoa New Zealand. To identify the future workforce pipeline, we explored trainee intentions for specialist practice.

Method: A survey was distributed to all New Zealand Society of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (NZSOHNS) members and all current New Zealand Otolaryngology, Head and Neck surgery trainees. Data were gathered on work location and patterns of work, including on-call commitments and full-time equivalent hours worked. Trainees were asked about future career plans.

Results: An 88% response rate was achieved encompassing senior medical officers (SMOs) and trainees. A total of 64.8% (68) of respondents reported primarily working in a metropolitan hospital and 26.7% (28) reported working in a regional centre. Rates of internationally trained surgeons were significantly higher in regional centres compared to metropolitan hospitals (64.3% vs 32.4%, p<0.05). Regional respondents had higher after hours on-call burden, a higher full-time equivalent (FTE) worked and higher average hours worked per week. Retirement intentions within the next 10 years were high in both groups (64% regional and 52.9% metropolitan, p<0.05).

Conclusions: The regional workforce in ORLHNS work longer hours, are older and are reliant on internationally trained surgeons. Current training of ORLHNS surgeons is unlikely to keep pace with expected retirements.