A Framework for Best Practice Health Promotion in Primary Health Care

Abstract

ISIS Primary Care provides health and welfare services to the municipalities of Brimbank, Hobsons Bay and Wyndham. An organisational commitment was made to establish an integrated approach to health promotion that would result in best practice health promotion within the community and in partnership with other agencies. To achieve this it was necessary to develop internal organisational skills and processes as well as formalise the relationships with agencies within the catchment. A "framework for best practice health promotion" was developed with a number of interrelated components occurring concurrently at several levels within the organisation and externally. This encompasses a structural framework with a Health Promotion Reference Group of key intersectoral stakeholders, as well as six Health Promotion Working Groups across the organisation each focussing on identified health issues. The strategic framework is a procedural document outlining processes for planning, implementation and evaluation of health promotion at an organisational level. The supporting framework includes detailed program planning and evaluation guidelines and workforce development. The implementation of this framework has resulted in a coordinated and sustainable approach to health promotion across the catchment with opportunities for successful partnerships, capacity building, resource sharing and increased program reach in meeting the perceived needs of the community.