The RANZCP Workforce Report: Action is needed, now.
Jeffrey C L LooiFiona A WilkesStephen AllisonPaul A MaguireMeshary Khaled N AlotibyTarun Joseph BastiampillaiPublished in: Australasian psychiatry : bulletin of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (2024)
Members of the RANZCP reported worsening workforce shortages, with 9 in 10 respondents stating that these negatively impacted patient care, and 7 in 10 experiencing symptoms of burnout. Eighty per cent identified workforce shortages as the top contributing factor to such burnout. The aetiology of workforce shortages and burnout is likely due to operational and structural shortfalls in psychiatric services. However, public and private sector employment information was not included in the report. There are a range of strategic, evidence-based interventions to address the psychiatrist and trainee workforce challenges, comprising general healthcare service as well as specific initiatives. Based on the findings of the report, such interventions are needed, now.