Mapping of education of health professionals in health promotion; a European survey

Abstract

Abstract Health behaviours comprise over half of risk of Non-communicable Diseases. Lifestyle interventions need collaborative approaches in healthcare; this makes health professionalś knowledge and skills in advocating lifestyle interventions crucial. However less is known about educational programs of professionals in Europe about health promotion. So, a project commissioned by Consumers, Health, Agriculture and Food Executive Agency (Chafea) in years 2018-2020 was carried out in all EU countries. Over 15 professions were included in this study. Information was obtained from national education providers, European associations of health professionals and national authorities. Study questions included: 1) how are health professionals being trained in health promotion in the EU? 2) what competencies professions require? 3) what methods are used? 4) what are the good practices? A three-stage data collection and analyses were carried out in order to answer these questions: a) desk research b) on-line survey for education content, methods and practices c) good practices assessment. Final report is to be concluded and published in April 2020, but first indications show that a) there are guidelines of competencies in health promotion in different levels of education (graduate, post-graduate and continuous professional development) b) good practices were found in all health professions b) all health professions provide description of health promotion competencies, c) traditional teaching methods (lectures and assignments) are most often used and d) there is a need for of digital health coaching and health economics practices. There is a need for capacity building and joint development in the European countries. Willingness to create European network of faculties, education regulators and professional associations is obvious and all parties acknowledge the need for support developing good practices and improving professional competencies in health promotion. Key messages There was a need for mapping of educational programs of professionals in Europe about health promotion. There is a need for capacity building and joint development in the European countries.