Retention and attrition of Chinese medicine practitioners in Australia: survey and registration analysis from the workforce retention and attrition project.

BACKGROUND: National shortages exist in relation to the Chinese Medicine (CM) profession. This project aimed to identify factors associated with the retention and attrition of CM practitioners in Australia. METHODS: An online survey of CM practitioners in 2024 and a retrospective analysis of 10 years of Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) CM registration data. RESULTS: Of 1,366 surveyed CM practitioners, 79.4% intended to stay, 3.8% intended to leave, and 8.5% were unsure and 73 (5.3%) intended to retire. Most intending to leave planned to do so within five years (76.9%). Top reasons for leaving included unsatisfactory remuneration (n = 16, 40.0%), lack of job security (n = 14, 35.0%), retirement (n = 14, 35.0%), lack of opportunities for career advancement (n = 11, 27.5%), and lack of opportunities for personal growth and/or development (n = 7, 17.5%). Those with limited registration or acupuncturists were more likely to consider not renewing their registration or be unsure about it. Ahpra registration data from 2014 to 2023 showed that the overall numbers of CM practitioners (per 100,000 population) decreased by 5.1%, and the replacement rates decreased by 52.9%, with more males than females leaving the profession. The highest number of exits occurred in the 35-60 age group. CONCLUSIONS: The decline in the number of CM practitioners per 100,000 population, alongside a significant drop in the replacement rate raises concerns around workforce stability and sustainability. Addressing intrinsic and workplace factors, such as remuneration, job security, and opportunities for career advancement and personal development may improve retention.