Developing consensus on the CompHP professional standards for health promotion in Europe

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Promotion Practice
• Professional Development

Background:

• The CompHP Core Competencies for health promotion provided a foundation for developing new professional standards.
• Existing professional, occupational, and educational standards frameworks in Europe present complexities.
• The European Qualifications Framework (EQF) approach was adopted for developing learning outcome standards.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and consult on Professional Standards for Health Promotion across Europe.
• To align health promotion standards with European qualifications frameworks.
• To establish criteria for accrediting health promotion practitioners.

Main Methods:

• A multi-phase consultation process was employed, including surveys, focus groups, workshops, and online consultations.
• Standards were iteratively revised based on feedback received during each consultation phase.
• European and international stakeholder input was gathered to ensure broad relevance.

Main Results:

• High levels of agreement were reported across Europe and beyond regarding the developed standards.
• Significant support was expressed for implementing the standards in educational and employment contexts.
• The standards are intended to accredit health promotion practitioners and elevate the profession's profile.

Conclusions:

• The developed Professional Standards for Health Promotion are well-received and supported across Europe.
• Implementation of these standards is anticipated to strengthen health promotion practice and practitioner recognition.
• These standards represent a significant step towards a unified approach to health promotion professionalism in Europe.