Roy Morgan releases Image of Professions Survey

November 18, 2015 | Assessment and Optimisation

Roy Morgan has found people have a high opinion of medical professionals.

We place quite a lot of trust in medical professionals. After all, they're the ones responsible for performing necessary procedures and providing care after the fact.

According to a study from Roy Morgan, the Image of Professions Survey 2015, those in the medical field continue to rank highly among the public as the most ethical and honest professions. It's a good sign, especially as they're going to become even more necessary over the next few years.

Moving up the rankings

In the survey conducted this year, Australians over the age of 14 were asked about 30 different professions. Specifically, how they would rate them with regards to ethics and honesty.

A substantial 92 per cent rated nurses as the most ethical and honest profession. This marks the 21st year in a row that nurses have held the top spot, and a 1 per cent increase to its highest ranking since 2003. Other medical professions near the top included doctors at 84 per cent, pharmacists at 84 per cent and dentists at 71 per cent.

It's a good sign there's such a strong public opinion of medical professionals. After all, they're only going to become more important over the next few decades.

Those in the medical field continue to rank highly among the public.

And what about carers?

Interestingly, there were no results listed for carers, even as the current number continues to show no sign of slowing down.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) found there were 2.7 million people providing informal care in 2012. What's more, McCrindle Research found that there was a significant shift currently underway in Australia, as the balance of working age individuals started to tip toward retired couples. In just under 40 years, there may only be five workers per retired couple.

"Carers not only make a huge contribution to the lives of the people that they care for, but they are also essential in supporting the formal care system in Australia," said First Assistant Statistician at the ABS Dr Paul Jeffs.

"Carers are an integral part of Australia's health system and are the foundation of our aged, disability, palliative and community care systems," Carers Australia noted.

While carers were not listed in the Roy Morgan research, they're undeniably an essential part of the greater Australian healthcare sector.

What do you think are the biggest opportunities for success in the aged care industry today? Please contact us and let us know!