a “A Profession comprises of a group of people who have special
knowledge and skills in a widely recognized body of learning derived
from research, education and training at a high level and are guided
by a code of ethics, and who are prepared to apply this knowledge
and exercise these skills in the interest of others” (Australian Council
of Professions, 2003). Deprofessionalization happens when there is a
change in the skills or qualities that are unique or specific to that
profession.
a a In the United States there is a shortage of health care providers,
and which has led to new roles for allied health providers. Nurse
Practitioners and Physician assistant(PAs) roles were designed
initially to work alongside physicians to complement the care
provided, but with the shortage of Physicians these professionals are
given more autonomy and, in many states, allowed to practice
independently. More and more complicated patients are assigned to
Nurse practitioners and PAs and are allowed to do procedures which
in the past would only be done by a Physician with extensive training.
More and more non physician providers are providing care beyond
their experience and training. We are seeing a deprofessionalization
of Physicians by insurance companies, health care industry and
corporate entities that would like to cut down costs by hiring more
Nps and PAs than Physicians (Balon & Morreale, 2022).
There are other medical professions also that face shortage of
qualified health care providers and might have to rely on less qualified
professionals to deliver health care services like shortage of RNs and
medical social workers and may have to use more LPNs (licensed
practical nurses) and instead of graduate social workers, may have to
rely on undergraduates to deliver services.
Despite de professionalization of health care, the original profession
still has its dignity and value. But there is a concern if quality will be
compromised in the future for profit and cost concerns.
References
Australian Council of Professions. (2003). What is a profession?
Retrieved from https://www.professions.org.au/what-is-a-
professional.
Balon, R., & Morreala, M.K.(2022). Demise of a Physician. Annals of
Clinical Psychiatry. 34(1), 1-3. Retrieved from
https://www.aacp.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/0222-ACP-
Editorial.pdf
