JCO Global Oncology (Dec 2021)

Tracking the Workforce 2020-2030: Making the Case for a Cancer Workforce Registry

  • Archita Srivastava,
  • Matthew Jalink,
  • Fabio Ynoe de Moraes,
  • Christopher M. Booth,
  • Scott R. Berry,
  • Fidel Rubagumya,
  • Felipe Roitberg,
  • Manju Sengar,
  • Nazik Hammad

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1200/GO.21.00093
Journal volume & issue
no. 7
pp. 925 – 933

Abstract

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Existing literature has described the projected increase in cancer incidence and the associated deficiencies in the cancer workforce. However, there is currently a lack of research into the necessary policy and planning steps that can be taken to mitigate this issue. Herein, we review current literature in this space and highlight the importance of implementing oncology workforce registries. We propose the establishment of cancer workforce registries using the WHO Minimum Data Set for Health Workforce Registry by adapting the data set to suit the multidisciplinary nature of the cancer workforce. The cancer workforce registry will track the trends of the workforce, so that evidence can drive decisions at the policy level. The oncology community needs to develop and optimize methods to collect information for these registries. National cancer societies are likely to continue to lead such efforts, but ministries of health, licensing bodies, and academic institutions should contribute and collaborate.