A study of the general medical physicist in the Netherlands

Abstract

Background: The Medical Physics profession in Malta is at present delimited to three specialties: diagnostic and interventional radiology, radiation oncology and nuclear medicine, that is; specialties solely concerning medical imaging and ionising radiation therapy. In addition to the aforementioned specialties, in the Netherlands there is another specialty called General Medical Physics. Objectives: The objectives of this study were: (i) To investigate the role of the General Medical Physicist (GMP) in selected hospitals in the Netherlands. (ii) To identify aspects of the role which are not yet exercised by Medical Physicists in Malta. (iii) To consider whether this specialty of Medical Physics should be introduced in Malta. Research Methodology: A qualitative research approach was adopted for this study since the study was exploratory in nature. The primary data collection technique consisted of semi structured interviews with GMPs in the Netherlands. Additional primary data was also gathered through direct observation and document analysis of documents and research papers provided by the participants. The collected data was inserted into a purposely designed thematic datasheet, colour-coded according to source. Thematic analysis of the data was carried out. Results: A deeper understanding of the role of the GMP in the Netherlands was acquired and aspects of the role not yet exercised in Malta were identified and discussed. The results indicate that the role of the GMP is distinct from the current specialties practiced in Malta. Conclusions and Recommendations: The recommendations include expanding the scope of Medical Physics practice in Malta to include the role of the GMP and introducing the specialty in the local Medical Physics education and training framework for clinical Medical Physicists.