Allied health perspectives in the 1980s.

A number of changes taking place in our society are affecting the health care delivery system and influencing allied health education and practice. This article summarizes changes in population characteristics, technology, disease patterns, health care needs, and the programs designed to meet those needs as they influence health personnel development in general and allied health in particular. A current definition of allied health is presented, along with an analysis of allied health personnel in the health care work force and of educational programs preparing allied health personnel. Implications of trends in allied health in the United States are projected and current eras in allied health education are discussed. Finally, the recommendations of the National Commission on Allied Health Education are summarized along the the programmatic response of the American Society of Allied Health Professions.