Continuing education: a perspective of planning.

In this paper the author reviews the process of planning as it relates to the implementation of a continuing education program for allied health professionals and reviews some of the literature of continuing education in order to discuss planning in its proper perspective. The author defines continuing education and discusses the planning and implementation of a continuing education program. This process is designed to meet needs that are dependent upon the perceptions of allied health manpower and tends to flourish in an environment where it is commonly recognized that some form of change is necessary. Seven steps that comprise the planning process of program development are detailed, as well as factors which reduce resistance to change and facilitate planning.