HEALTH PROMOTION IN HOSPITALS - THE ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES OF HOSPITAL NURSES

This research paper explores the attitudes, beliefs and health promotion practices of hospital nurses working on acute adult wards, as demonstrated through the use of semi-structured postal questionnaires. Responses were compared with those from hospital-based occupational therapists, physiotherapists, dietitians and medical consultants, in order to examine issues of consistency and continuity between professional groups and their interaction with patients in relation to health promotion activity. The nurses are considered both as a homogeneous group and also in relation to their seniority within the profession. Results demonstrate the lack of a coherent health promotion strategy within acute care settings and highlight the differing educational needs of nurses according to their professional role within the hospital. By addressing these issues, a strategy can be developed to enhance health promotion in hospital by building on the concerns and needs identified by the nurses themselves. Research literature and analysis of this study demonstrate that whilst the current position of health promotion in hospital is generally poor, nurses are keen to integrate health promotion into their practice.