[Accompaniment to improve public health professional practice]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Management
• Professional Development

Context:

• Accompaniment, or professional support, is increasingly utilized in public health to enhance practices.
• The concept of accompaniment is well-established in education but lacks a clear definition in public health.
• This ambiguity can limit the effectiveness of interventions aimed at practice improvement.

Purpose:

• To define accompaniment in the context of public health, drawing parallels with educational approaches.
• To explore the core actions of accompaniment: managing, guiding, and supporting.
• To highlight the practical application of accompaniment using a case study from the Montréal Public Health Department.

Summary:

• Accompaniment in public health involves specific management, guidance, and support actions.
• Effective accompaniment requires practical knowledge and strategic project selection.
• Developing expertise in accompaniment is crucial for facilitating change processes and adapting health systems.

Impact:

• Refining the definition and application of accompaniment can lead to more substantial improvements in public health practices.
• Enhanced professional skills through accompaniment contribute to better public health management.
• Building expertise in accompaniment is essential for the successful adaptation and evolution of the health system.