Examining the correspondence of theoretical and real interpretations of health promotion

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the research was to identify how the development of concept analyses have influenced practising nurses' understanding of health promotion. More specifically the aim gives rise to the objective of establishing how they translate their understanding into practice. BACKGROUND: The acknowledgement that nurses are confused about health promotion has led to attempts to define the term through the production of concept analyses, which aim to clarify the term for nursing education, research, policy and practice. DESIGN AND METHODS: A qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews was undertaken with a purposive sample of 21 district nurses, based throughout Wales. Thematic content analysis was used to order, describe and interpret the data. RESULTS: Generally the respondents gave definitions of health promotion that were confined to the traditional conceptualization of health promotion, comprising actions aimed at changing the behaviour of individuals. These interpretations were translated into practice, where district nurses adopted a mainly reactive and individualistic approach to health promotion. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The paper concludes that the more contemporary definitions of health promotion that focus on empowerment, community development and socio-political action are yet to reach practising district nurses. Considerable effort is required from educationalists and practitioners if nurses are to include these 'new paradigm' approaches to health promotion in their practice.