A comparison of three allied health manpower projection methodologies

Three manpower projection methodologies most often employed in the allied health sciences were compared: population ratio, occupational matrix, and regression analysis. Comparisons were made among the methodologies themselves, their strengths, and their weaknesses. These methodologies were then applied to the largest allied health discipline - clinical laboratory sciences - using Kentucky statewide data. The resultant projections were then compared with actual data (F.J. Morris, PhD, unpublished data, 1985). The most appropriate methodology to be used by the administrator should be determined by his/her specific needs and goals in relation to the specific strengths and weaknesses of the individual methodology.