The changing workforce: the role of health psychology.
Because the federal government is the largest payer of all health costs, unbridled increases in the health workforce have profound fiscal implications. Recent efforts to control health spending through modifications of health delivery systems are related to the consequences of the unlimited production of health professionals. However, the federal government has established processes to review physician workforce changes, and these mechanisms have become important in accessing federal training monies. Psychologists have no concerted workforce policy and receive little federal training money. Moreover, other health professionals have attained statutory authority to perform and provide the same services as psychologists. This diffusion of professional functions impedes the ability to assess the status of the workforce and the development of psychology as a health profession.
Frank
R G
RG
College of Health Related Professions, University of Florida Health Science Center, Gainesville 32610-0185, USA.
Ross
M J
MJ
D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000191:economics; D008389:Marketing of Health Services; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000458:organization & administration; D011584:Psychology / Q000193:education*; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce