Health promotion opportunities related to a person or group of people taking into account the legal, ethical and policy context

Abstract

Abstract

            Health promotion in nursing is the process of supporting people to increase control over, and to improve their own health. The World Health Organisation (WHO) (1948) defined health “As a complete state of physical, mental, social and emotional well-being, not merely the absence of disease”. It moves beyond a focus of individual behaviour to a wide range of social and environmental interventions (WHO, 2015). Health promotion is “About improving the health status of individuals and the population as a whole” (Evans et al., 2014). Thinking like a health promoter enables nurses to integrate the principles of effective health promotion which is a fundamental aspect of nursing care (Piper, 2009). The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) (2010) has set out standards for pre-registration nursing education which it considers necessary for safe and effective practice in relation to health promotion and public health. These standards involve “Supporting and promoting the health, wellbeing, rights and dignity of people”. Nurses must also “Understand public health principles and practice in order to recognise and respond to the causes and social determinants of health, illness and health inequalities” (NMC, 2010). For the purpose of this assignment three health promotion issues most relevant to my practice experience will be discussed. The legal, ethical and policy context in relation to these issues will be explored. The actual name of any patient/s or the trust will not be disclosed, this is to maintain confidentiality and consent was gained following the NMC (2008) Code of Professional Conduct.