Table 2

Cumulative attrition from the specialist workforce 1995-2005, Australia

45-49

50-54

55-59

60-64

65-69

70-74

75-79

1995

2000

2%

2%

11%

28%

41%

39%

60%

2005*

5%

1%

54%

71%

76%

100%

*Data for 2004 and 2005 were based on projections assuming the same rate of attrition for the previous 3 years 2001-2003

Age groups can be followed down the columns of the table. For example, 2% of specialists aged 45-49 years in 1995 had left the workforce by the year 2000, when they were aged 50-54.

Source: AIHW Medical Labour Force Survey, 1995 to 2003. Calculation of cumulative attrition rates for each cohort: CAR = 1-(Nti/Nt1) where CAR = Cumulative attrition rate, N = number of people, ti = year in series and t1 = first data year in series (1995). Calculation of attrition from 2000 to 2005 = CAR_2000-2003 *1 2/3.

Schofield et al. Human Resources for Health 2009 7:82   doi:10.1186/1478-4491-7-82