Attitudes of social welfare professionals of the concept of positive health in the Netherlands

Abstract

Abstract The current definition of health from the World Health Organisation seems to no longer meet the changes in the current Dutch health system. An alternative approach which puts emphasis on health, not disease, is Positive Health. The current and future developments in the health care system in the Netherlands are demanding different mentality and practice methods of social work and welfare professionals. In order to measure the extent to which there is support for positive health among the social welfare professionals, research must be carried out into the attitude of the professionals. In this study, the attitudes towards the concept of Positive Health of social welfare professionals are examined. Methods A mixed-method study was used, in which both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. By means of a survey (n = 128) and semi-structured interviews (n = 9), the attitude and working method of social workers were explored. Results Social welfare professionals find that the concept Positive health can contribute to an increase in resilience and self-management in citizens and patients. However, social welfare professionals wonder if all citizens and patients have the ability to self-manage skills. In addition, social welfare professionals think all domains of the positive health concept are regarded as important in defining health. Conclusions The concept of positive health is in line with the attitude of social welfare professionals and has support for implementation. In order to introduce the concept Positive Health further and to make it stand out in the social welfare domain, more attention needs to be paid to disseminating the concept, broadening the knowledge of the professionals and practical tools for practice. Key messages Positive Health concept connects professionals in health care and welfare. The concept of positive health is in line with the perceptions of health of the social welfare professionals.