Professional preparation and development for health promotion: A review of literature

To enhance knowledge of the issues involved in the education and training of health professionals in health promotion, a focused but broad-based literature review took place. More than 70 studies of relevance were selected from the literature on human resource development and education, as well as professional preparation and development in health promotion. Studies reviewed covered current trends in initial professional education and training, continuing professional development, validation and accreditation, and evaluation. In none of these fields was there a significant literature based on systematic evaluation, but weaknesses in current practice were identified. A number of specific recommendations relating to the education and training of health professionals can be identified. These include: the importance of conceptual development and the capacity to reflect critically on practice; the value of efforts to bridge theory and practice through greater use of work-based systems of professional development; and the need to specify more clearly the health promotion role of health and education professionals so as to facilitate the development of appropriate methods of initial and continuing education and training.