An allied health professional who provides healthcare to patients in hospitals is a healthcare worker distinct from physicians, nurses, and dentists, offering diagnostic, preventive, therapeutic, and rehabilitative services in collaboration with other healthcare providers. These professionals work directly or indirectly with patients and are essential in supporting patient care within hospital settings
. Allied health professionals include a broad range of roles such as:
- Healthcare technicians who assist doctors and nurses with medical tasks and patient comfort in hospitals
- Physical therapists, occupational therapists, respiratory therapists, dietitians, and audiologists who provide rehabilitation and specialized treatments
- Diagnostic medical sonographers, medical technologists, and other technical specialists who perform diagnostic and laboratory services
- Primary care allied health providers like pharmacists, dental hygienists, and nutrition supervisors who may also work in hospital clinics
These professionals are trained through rigorous education and licensing standards and work within evidence-based practice models to optimize patient outcomes
. They form a vital support system in hospitals, helping to deliver comprehensive healthcare by complementing the roles of physicians and nurses
. In summary, allied health professionals in hospitals are a diverse group of trained healthcare workers who provide essential diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive care services to patients, working collaboratively within the healthcare team to improve patient health and recovery
