AUTHOR=Biehl Verena , Gerlinger Thomas , Wieber Frank 

TITLE=Professional Characteristics of Health Promotion: A Scoping Review of the German and International Literature

JOURNAL=International Journal of Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 66 - 2021

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/international-journal-of-public-health/articles/10.3389/ijph.2021.1603993

DOI=10.3389/ijph.2021.1603993

ISSN=1661-8564

ABSTRACT=Objective
This review investigates current developments in the professional characteristics of health promotion (HP) with a focus on the German speaking part of Europe. The conceptualization of HP is a prerequisite for progressing HP professionalization and clarifying the interconnectedness between the HP and Public Health.
Methods 
The search strategy was informed by sociological professionalization theories. Original publications were included in a content-based analysis.
Results 
Ninety publications (37 original publications) were identified in the review. The results are summarized in categories based on professional characteristics: 1) profession, 2) ethics, 3) education/training 4) competencies, and 5) quality. The professionalization of HP regarding the professional characteristics is less developed in the German compared to the international literature.
Conclusion
The mixed findings emphasize the relevance of a common HP conceptualization. The HP core competencies, which have been developed by the International Union for Health Promotion and Education must be further promoted. A strong HP workforce within Public Health strengthens the HP status in policy contexts and society and its contribution to promoting health and tackling social inequalities in health.