Human Resources Estimation of the Linear Accelerator Sector in Reza Radiotherapy-Oncology Center Based on Workload Indicator of Staffing Needs (WISN)

Human resources play a highly important role in providing health services. The aim of this study was to determine the human resources required for the linear accelerator sector at Reza Radiotherapy-Oncology Center.

This applied analytical-descriptive study utilized human resources determination method based on workload indicator of staffing needs. Expert meetings were held to determine the components of workload and standard time. A survey was used to confirm the standard time of main activities, and interviews and personnel information system were used to determine the amount and factors related to available working time.  Furthermore, management system and registries were used to determine the annual workload. The data were analyzed using the Excel and SPSS software version 19.

Seven factors related to the annually available working time of employees were identified. Annually available working time for employees was set at 806 hours. Patient preparation, treatment, surgery, and case completion were identified as the main activities. The results of workload index calculations showed that the accelerator sector had a shortage of three people.

The results of this study showed that Reza Radiotherapy-Oncology Center is experiencing a shortage of professional staff in the linear accelerator sector. It seems that using the workload indicator of staffing needs method to determine and distribute the required human recourses is a necessary step for the optimal management of human recourses in specialized sectors.