Purpose of the Study: This study assessed differences among Arkansas hospital administrators in perceptions of health workforce needs for 65 health professions by hospital size and regions of Arkansas. Arkansas hospital administrators' perceptions of healthcare system trends were evaluated, and the instrument, Perceptions of Health Workforce Needs, was tested for construct validity.

Results: Significant differences were found in perceptions of health workforce needs according to hospital size and regions of the state. Administrators perceived the greatest shortages in: 1) small rural hospitals, for Family Practice Medicine, Emergency Medical Technology, and Recreational Therapy; 2) large urban hospitals, for Anesthesiology, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Radiologic Technology; and 3) medium-sized hospitals, for Internal Medicine, Family Practice, Medical Specialties, Licensed Practical Nurses, Health Related Professions, and Baccalaureate Prepared Pharmacists. The concerns cited most frequently for future healthcare trends were the aging population, aggressive competition for patients and intense marketing, and health professional shortages.

Conclusions: The study findings can be used in planning educational curricula for health professions to meet the future health workforce needs of urban and rural areas of Arkansas.

Authors of this study are:

Rick Guyton, PhD, Director, AHEC Northwest, Fayetteville, Arkansas

* Ann Bynum, EdD, Associate Director for Program Development, Arkansas AHEC Program Director; Rural Hospital Program

* Charles O. Cranford, DDS, MPA, Executive Director, Arkansas AHEC Program Vice Chancellor; Regional Programs

* Cathy Irwin, PhD, RNP, CS, Researcher, Rural Hospital Program

* University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Little Rock, Arkansas