Allied Health Manpower — Solution or Problem?

Abstract

Abstract Although there are over 3 1/2 million health workers in the United States, effective use of these workers is compromised by several factors. Manpower analysis and inventories have produced an inappropriate concern with numbers rather than with actual job content, flexibility and development. Decisions about manpower have too often been influenced by physicians, who are more aware of individual rather than broad institutional needs. The customs of the health professions and licensure and certification rules have combined to leave administrators little leeway to manipulate the work force. If nonphysician medical manpower is to improve the health system, tasks rather than numbers must be studied, management must be given more authority, and professionalism must be curtailed.