Canadian Medical Imaging Inventory 2022–2023: The Medical Imaging Team

Abstract

A workforce comprising medical radiation technologists (MRTs), radiologists, nuclear medicine specialists, medical imaging physicists, and other medical staff is essential for the delivery of medical imaging services. There is wide variation in the numbers of staff in each profession in Canada, ranging from 45 positions located in 6 provinces for medical imaging physicists to 25,000 positions located across all provinces and territories for MRTs. Data from 2022–2023 suggest that the number of full-time staff has not grown at the same pace as the volume of exams. Sufficient staffing is needed to ensure the sustainable operation and delivery of medical imaging services that is supported by investment in the workforce through equitable education and training opportunities. According to a Canadian Medical Imaging Inventory (CMII) report on wait time strategies, staffing shortages may extend wait times and may lead to disruptions in service delivery. Managing the growing demand for imaging services and clearing the backlog of exams deferred during the pandemic has exacerbated existing staffing shortages and contributed to increased workloads and decreased staff well-being. The adoption of supportive tools and technologies — such as clinical decision support tools, automated order entry, and AI-driven solutions — may assist the workforce by creating efficiencies, improving image quality, and increasing access to medical imaging.