Strategies to Strengthen the Health Promotion Workforce in the Primary Health Organisation Environment

 
Report Summary
 
This discussion paper was prepared for the Ministry of Health, based on consultation at the National Networking Hui for Health Promotion in Primary Health Organisations (PHOs), June 2006. 
 
It outlines the background information on the formation of Primary Health Organisations (PHOs) and discusses the variety in size and structure of PHOs and how this diversity impacts on PHOs operationalisation of the health promotion funding stream.  It discusses the various ways health promotion development is supported in PHOs, and the how the varying range of health promotion expertise held by those responsible for the annual approval of health promotion plans and ongoing monitoring of performance of the same, leads to significant inconsistencies between what is considered an acceptable use of PHO health promotion funds in different parts of the country. This creates risks and challenges to the formation of an evolving, learning community for those involved with health promotion in PHOs. 
 
This report also outlines the context, key themes and recommendations from the Health Promotion in PHOs hui held in Wellington in June 2006.  The discussions are grouped under the following headings:

1. How can strong and diverse leadership in health promotion be developed and promoted?
2. How can a strong focus on community development for the health promotion workforce be maintained?
3. How can a strong focus on the determinants of health and the reduction of inequalities for the health promotion workforce be developed?
4. How can the voice of health promotion within public health and primary health care be strengthened?
5. How can access, cohesion and linkages in the development and delivery of health promotion training best be achieved?
6. How can competence in the workforce for health promotion be built and ensured?
7. How can cultural competence in the workforce for health promotion be built and ensured?
8. Are there any other strategies you would recommend to support the development of a well trained workforce for health promotion?

The departing message from the 2006 hui was clear: the health promotion in PHO workforce see the need for a nationally consistent, supported career pathway as critical, along with opportunities to enhance reflective, inequalities-focused leadership in their work at the interface of primary care and public health.  They look forward to working with the Ministry of Health to make this a reality.