Some of you, especially those who are more than typically involved in the medical world, may have heard the term Allied Healthcare Professions. This term can be somewhat confusing (many believe it to be a sort of union of healthcare workers), but that’s why I’m writing this article, to let you know what this term really means.
The Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions has an excellent introductory definition. It reads, “Allied Health professionals are involved with the delivery of health or related services pertaining to the identification, evaluation, and prevention of diseases and disorders; dietary and nutrition services; rehabilitation and health systems management, among others.”
“Allied health professionals, to name a few, include dental hygienists, diagnostic medical sonographers, dietitians, medical technologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, radiographers, respiratory therapists, and speech-language pathologists.”
Non-allied health professions are those directly involved with medicine and nursing, whereas Allied Health Professions make up the web of professions that are not directly involved with medicine and nursing. Allied Health Professions usually are concerned with increasing the quality of life, rather than directly saving these lives (though we can do that too, don’t doubt).
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists are part of the Allied Health Professions, and, as those of you who know physical therapists, are familiar with the profession, or really enjoy reading articles found on this website know, physical therapists usually focus on rehabilitation and recovery from injuries, illnesses, conditions, or surgeries.
However, today I would like to give a shout-out to all the other Allied Health Professions. We all work together to help provide our communities with better lives and improved health. They include a wide range of disciplines and specialties, each with its own unique responsibilities and functions.
Occupational Therapy
A very important allied health profession is occupational therapy. Occupational therapists work with patients to help them regain the ability to perform daily activities, such as dressing, eating, and bathing. They use a variety of techniques, such as adaptive equipment and exercises, to help patients improve their fine motor skills and coordination. They also work with patients to develop strategies and accommodations that will help them live more independently.
Speech-Language Pathology
Speech-language pathology is another key allied health profession. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) help individuals with communication and swallowing disorders. They work with patients who have difficulty speaking, understanding language, or using their voices. They also work with patients who have difficulty swallowing and those who need help with cognitive-communication, such as memory and problem-solving.
Medical Technologists
Medical laboratory technologists and medical laboratory technicians are also important members of the allied health team. These professionals perform a wide range of laboratory tests, such as blood and urine tests, to help diagnose and treat illnesses. They also analyze specimens, such as tissue and body fluids, to detect abnormalities and help physicians make accurate diagnoses.
Radiologic technologists and radiologic technologists are also members of the allied health team. They operate equipment to produce radiographic images of the body, such as X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans. These images are used to diagnose and monitor a wide range of conditions, such as broken bones, tumors, and infections.
Even More Allied Health Professions
Other important allied health professions include dietitians and nutritionists, respiratory therapists, and audiologists. Dietitians and nutritionists help patients understand the relationship between food and their health and develop meal plans that are tailored to their specific needs. Respiratory therapists help patients with breathing problems, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Audiologists specialize in identifying, diagnosing, and treating hearing disorders.
Allied health professionals play a vital role in the healthcare system by providing a wide range of services that help patients recover from illnesses and injuries and improve their overall health and well-being. They work as part of a team with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers to provide comprehensive and coordinated care. They play an important role in providing comprehensive and coordinated care and promoting healthy lifestyles.
