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Human Resources for Health

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Open Access 01-12-2015 | Commentary

Allied health growth: what we do not measure we cannot manage

Authors: Daniela Solomon, Nicholas Graves, Judith Catherwood

Published in: Human Resources for Health | Issue 1/2015

Abstract

Background

Data describing the Australian allied health workforce is inadequate and so insufficient for workforce planning. National health policy reform requires that health-care models take into account future workforce requirements, the distribution and work contexts of existing practitioners, training needs, workforce roles and scope of practice. Good information on this workforce is essential for managing services as demands increase, accountability of practitioners, measurement of outcomes and benchmarking against other jurisdictions. A comprehensive data set is essential to underpin policy and planning to meet future health workforce needs.

Discussion

Some data on allied health professions is managed by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency; however, there is limited information regarding several core allied health professions. A global registration and accreditation scheme recognizing all allied health professions might provide safeguards and credibility for professionals and their clients.

Summary

Arguments are presented about inconsistencies and voids in the available information about allied health services. Remedying these information deficits is essential to underpin policy and planning for future health workforce needs. We make the case for a comprehensive national data set based on a broad and inclusive sampling process across the allied health population.

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Title: Allied health growth: what we do not measure we cannot manage
Authors: Daniela Solomon
Nicholas Graves
Judith Catherwood
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Human Resources for Health / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1478-4491
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12960-015-0027-1

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Allied health growth: what we do not measure we cannot manage

Abstract

Background

Discussion

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