Developing a competency-based Pan-European Accreditation Framework for Health Promotion.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Professions Education

Background:

• The CompHP Project aimed to create competency-based standards and accreditation for health promotion in Europe.
• The Pan-European Accreditation Framework for Health Promotion is a key output of the CompHP Project.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and establish a Pan-European Accreditation Framework for Health Promotion.
• To create a system for quality assurance and competence in health promotion practice and education.

Main Methods:

• A phased, multiple-method approach was used for consensus building with European health promotion stakeholders.
• Consultation involved focus groups, online surveys, web-based consultations, and testing in academic and practice settings.
• Five successive drafts of the Framework were revised based on stakeholder feedback.

Main Results:

• 405 participants from 29 countries contributed to the consultation process.
• The Framework received a generally positive response from stakeholders.
• Feedback highlighted potential barriers to the Framework's implementation.

Conclusions:

• The CompHP Pan-European Accreditation Framework provides an agreed system for quality assurance and competence in European health promotion.
• The Framework builds upon established Core Competencies and Professional Standards.
• It outlines processes for accrediting health promotion practitioners and education programs at national and European levels.