The IUHPE Health Promotion Accreditation System – developing and maintaining a competent health promotion workforce

Abstract

This commentary reports on the development and implementation of the competency-based IUHPE Health Promotion Accreditation System in the context of workforce capacity as a key activity of the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE). The process of developing the System is described, including how it built on, and added to, international research and experience in competency-based approaches to health promotion. An overview of how the System works, its current status and future plans, is presented. Evidence of the positive impact of the System to date, in particular in the context of health promotion education, is considered.

A comparison of face‐to‐face and fully online problem‐based learning: Student results and staff experiences, 2014–2020

“…12 At the completion of the PBL process, it is anticipated students will have developed critical academic skills and communication competencies that will be utilised as a part of their health promotion accreditation and practice. 12,13 Transitioning PBL delivery to online teaching has been met by challenges for both learning efficacy and use of technology. 6 Furthermore, issues with student confidence, preparedness and engagement with the learning materials and expectations, all impact the student experience of PBLs delivered fully online.…”

“…Learning in small groups provides students with an opportunity to develop group‐based working and communication skills, and essential competencies in health promotion practice 12 . At the completion of the PBL process, it is anticipated students will have developed critical academic skills and communication competencies that will be utilised as a part of their health promotion accreditation and practice 12,13 …”

Quality learning and teaching is vital for equipping the health promotion workforce to address complex public health challenges

“…14 The IUHPE Health Promotion Accreditation System provides a mechanism to ensure that health promotion is practiced effectively and ethically by training practitioners via degrees that are quality assured and endorsed by the IUHPE. 14 In 2016, the system was formally launched at the 22nd IUHPE World Conference and is now used globally to accredit tertiary health promotion courses and register individual health promotion practitioners. 14 Individual practitioners who are successfully registered within the System receive the title "IUHPE Registered Health Promotion Practitioner" and accredited tertiary courses receive the description "IUHPE Accredited Health Promotion Course".…”

“…In Australia, AHPA is the professional body that provides a mechanism for ensuring health promotion qualifications meet the agreed competencies and professional standards. As a result, Australia currently has one of the highest rates of practitioner registration (n = 110) and accredited courses (n = 12) in the world 14,20,21 which is a testament to the willingness of AHPA to support and promote the IUHPE system to its members.…”

“…13 Clearly defining what constitutes the health promotion workforce, and highlighting the unique contributions it makes to improving population health, is crucial as public health challenges become increasingly complex. 14 Traditionally, the health promotion workforce has been diverse in nature, and calls were made in the early 2000s to more clearly define health promotion roles and focus on building a knowledgeable and skilled workforce in Australia. 15,16 Regulating the health promotion workforce in Australia has been a strategic priority of the Australian Health Promotion Association (AHPA) for several decades to ensure that health promotion expertise is recognised and the specialist workforce strengthened.…”