AUTHOR=Biehl Verena , Wieber Frank , Gerlinger Thomas 

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

JOURNAL=International Journal of Public Health

VOLUME=66

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=<p><bold>Objective:</bold> This scoping 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 HP and Public Health.</p><p><bold>Methods:</bold> The search strategy was informed by sociological professionalization theories. Original publications were included in a content-based analysis.</p><p><bold>Results:</bold> 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.</p><p><bold>Conclusion:</bold> 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.</p>