Mapping the Global Medical Physics Collaborative Ecosystem - a Stakeholder Database
Abstract
Purpose
To develop a global database of medical physics initiatives in support of a sustainable and equitable collaborative ecosystem that minimizes resource duplication and inefficiencies across stakeholders.
Methods
Data on global medical physics initiatives were collected from PubMed and search engines using the terms "medical physics" and "collaboration", supplemented by data gathered by authors from their global networks. Initiatives solely focused on local-partnerships or industry-led efforts were excluded. Data sources included publications, newsletters, and organizational websites. For each eligible organization, data including scope, geographic focus, structure and area of activity (infrastructure, education, or research) were extracted and analyzed. Fourteen sub-type initiatives were identified across World Health Organization region, aligning with prior Global Needs Assessment Committee survey format.
Results
Fifty-seven organizations were mapped. Of these, 33% focus on therapy, 16% on diagnostic, and the majority (51%) on both. 32% served a global audience, with highest regional activity in Africa (19%) and the western pacific region (14%). Most initiatives are led by professional societies (32%), academic-research institutions (22%) or non-governmental organizations (20%). The most common beneficiaries are medical physicists (28%) and radiation oncologists (15%) and cancer centers (11%). Most initiatives emphasized education needs 61% (n=175), particularly virtual (26%) and in-person training (21%), followed by infrastructure needs 22% (n=64), particularly hardware (41%) and virtual support (25%) and lastly research needs 17% (n=49), including research development (35%) and funding (29%). A visualization map was created to allow users to explore initiatives.
Conclusion
This study establishes the first global-scale, systematically curated and constantly updated database of medical physics initiatives derived from extensive literature and community-based data sources. This project will enhance transparency of ongoing efforts, potentially minimizing resource duplication. The findings can also provide evidence-based results to inform future collaboration and prioritization within the global medical physics community.