Allied Health Work Force Shortages Pose Concern

The shortage of workers in many countries is a major obstacle for systems of health care seeking to respond effectively to chronic diseases , avian influenza and other challenges , according to a recent report by the World Health Organization .

The United States is affected by this shortage as well. Serious staff shortages occur in allied health professions , such as medical technology and respiratory therapy . A sufficient number of these professionals are not available to deal with the regular flow of patient needs that must be met .

Also of concern is the threat of bioterrorism and the additional requirements of such acts put in a system that is already under pressure. If such an event occurs, laboratory technicians and respiratory therapists are in high demand . Laboratory tests are needed to determine how the victims were affected , and breathing difficulties should be handled by qualified technicians.

Nursing shortages have received much public attention recently . Depending on what professions and levels are included , allied health is as large or larger than nursing. Similar to nursing, many applicants to allied health programs are denied access because of the shortage of teachers, centers of clinical training and related resources.

Many students are attracted to a career in a health profession , but the costs of obtaining education are increasingly a barrier. The education funding by States is at its lowest level in 25 years , and support per student has decreased considerably due to increased enrollment and inflation in the economy. Total tax revenues declined as a percentage of the wealth of the state.

Another factor is the increase in spending for Medicaid programs , which continue to demand a greater share of the total budget of each state.

Is it possible to obtain the means to remedy a situation ?

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