A SWOT audit for the educator role of the biomedical physics academic within Faculties of Health Science in Europe

Abstract

Although biomedical physics academics provide educational services in the majority of Faculties of Health Science (alternatively known as Faculties of Medicine) in Europe, their precise role with respect to the education of the healthcare professions has not been appropriately defined nor studied in a systematic manner. This has often led to role ambiguity and role conflict and their associated ensuing effects, role stress and role strain. In order to address this issue we are conducting a research project with the purpose of producing a strategic development model for the role. Central to the study is a position audit for the role which we have carried out via the wellestablished SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) methodology. Internal strengths and weaknesses of the role were identified through a qualitative survey of biomedical physics departments and biomedical physics curricula delivered to healthcare professionals within Europe. External environmental opportunities and threats were inventorized via a systematic survey of the healthcare, healthcare professional education and higher education literature. This paper reports the results of the SWOT audit.