Health promotion in the general practice setting

Two major studies of health promotion interventions in the general practice setting appear to show that nurses are less effective than doctors in influencing people to make necessary lifestyle changes. But, as this briefing argues, both studies were heavily dominated by the medical model. Such an approach, focusing on ill-health, not health, fails to take into account the wider social and economic factors influencing individuals' behaviours. Far from indicating the need for greater input from doctors, the studies serve to reinforce arguments against the medical model in health. promotion, and underline the need for the health-oriented approach which now underpins all nursing education and training.