Allied health encompasses a broad group of health professionals who use scientific principles and evidence-based practice for the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of acute and chronic diseases; promote disease prevention and wellness for optimum health, and apply administration and management skills to support health care systems in a variety of settings. The scope of allied health practice extends to the individual, the family, the community and to public education. Many allied health professions specialize in the promotion of optimum function and health and the improvement of health-related quality of life.