An initial SWOT study of the medical physics profession in Malta : the perspective of medical physicists

Abstract

Background: In Malta, medical physics is a relatively new profession and thus far, there has not yet been a systematic situational analysis to determine how the profession is currently progressing. A SWOT study of the medical physics profession in Malta was therefore deemed necessary such that a strategic plan may be developed. Objectives: (a) To develop a vision statement for the profession in Malta. (b) To analyse the current state of the profession in Malta by establishing internal strengths and weaknesses of the profession, and external opportunities and threats with respect to the desired vision statement as perceived by the medical physicists themselves. (c) To develop an initial set of strategic objectives for the medical physics profession in Malta. Research Methodology: A mixed-method research approach was used in this study, the philosophical perspective was pragmatic, the research strategies were a qualitative survey of relevant documents for the vision statement and a mostly quantitative survey of the opinions of Maltese medical physicists to identify the SWOT themes. The data collection techniques were document analysis for the vision statement and a semi-structured online anonymous questionnaire for the SWOT themes, the data collection tool for the SWOT was a specially designed thematic template, the data analysis technique was SWOT analysis with the use of Microsoft Excel for numerical data. Results: A vision statement was proposed and the SWOTs of the medical physics profession in Malta as perceived by the local medical physicists with respect to the vision statement were identified. Conclusions and Recommendations: The medical physics profession in Malta has many strengths and opportunities. However, there are also some weaknesses and threats. Strategic objectives for the profession were proposed. It is suggested that further research be conducted to clarify the SWOTs further by including in-depth interviews with both medical physicists and other stakeholders.