Develop a workforce projections model for orthopaedic surgeons

Develop a workforce projections model for orthopaedic surgeons

The Australian Orthopaedic Association (AOA) had difficulty with various projections of the orthopaedic surgeons’ workforce that had been produced by other parties. AOA therefore engaged HealthConsult to prepare information on the current orthopaedic surgeon workforce numbers and issues affecting orthopaedic surgery services provision in Australia; to formulate a methodology to ensure reliable workforce planning can be conducted in the future, and to propose opportunities to address workforce and skills shortages, if any identified.

Our work included directly acquiring data via a national workforce survey and a national hospital survey, as well as obtaining secondary data from various sources as input into the demand and supply sides of the workforce model. We worked closely with a Reference Group of orthopaedic surgeons to develop and test the orthopaedic surgeons’ workforce projections model. Key assumptions included in the model were parameter driven to allow the AOA to modify the model as required in future.

The final model was presented to the AOA Board, which was very happy with the work. The AOA continues to use the developed model to inform policy decisions.