NHA Segment Leader Kathy Hunter recently highlighted the urgent need to better recognize and support allied health professionals amid a nationwide shortage. In an op-ed published in Chief Healthcare Executive, a news site covering the latest innovative solutions and thinking for leaders, Hunter called on Congress and other stakeholders to invest in growing the allied health workforce.
“Allied health professionals comprise over 60% of the healthcare workforce and play essential clinical and administrative roles. From patient care technicians and lab technicians to phlebotomists, medical assistants and physical therapists, these professions support doctors, nurses, and patients by carrying out pivotal duties that enable care teams to work more efficiently while providing safe, high-quality care,” wrote Hunter.
To solve the shortage, Hunter recommended we:
- Address the lack of public awareness of allied health professionals and the vital role they play
- Invest in public-private partnerships to grow and expand pathways and healthcare high schools
- Prioritize academic preparedness of young learners
- Bolster employee retention initiatives
“By addressing the shortage of allied health professionals and supporting their educational and professional needs, we can work to ensure a stronger healthcare workforce that provides high-quality care to all patients,” she concluded.
To read the full op-ed, click here.