An investigation into nurses' understanding of health education and health promotion within a neuro‐rehabilitation setting*

This qualitative study was undertaken at two neuro-rehabilitation centres in England, with the aim of exploring the nurses' understanding of health education and health promotion and their role within it, and their perception of illness and wellness related to disability. The principle of methodical triangulation was employed using questionnaires, group interviews and content analysis of client care plans. Although the nurses had difficulty distinguishing between health promotion and health education, differences did emerge which were supported by the literature. The nurses generally identified their role as being one of health promotion. However, they tended to equate wellness with physical independence. As a result of the study a health promotion model based on the principles of self-empowerment is suggested, which could be used as a framework for rehabilitation nurses and other professionals to enable them to focus on health and wellness rather than illness and disability.