Health promotion is “a strategy aimed at empowering people to improve their health” (Taylor, O’Hara, & Barnes, 2014, p. 285). The process focuses on a wide range of interventions that can support the health needs of the greatest number of people in a given community. In order to support the health goals of the targeted people, practitioners, social workers, and clinicians can embrace the use of an effective theory. A powerful theory makes it easier for practitioners to identify specific practices and initiatives that can meet the health needs of the targeted clients. Such a theory provides the required framework for judging or examining whether the required elements of a health promotion campaign are in place (Tengland, 2012). The individuals will then use the theory to promote the most appropriate behaviors in the society.
Another unique observation is that a theoretical model presents evidence-based ideas that can be used to transform the experiences of a given population. The model guides different stakeholders, policymakers, and community members to embrace the best strategies that can address a given health problem. The stakeholders can go further to promote desirable practices that can result in health promotion. Golechha (2016) also believes that a theoretical approach guides different players to reject specific action plans that might affect the implemented health promotion plan. The selected theory should therefore be adjusted and followed depending on the targeted goals or objectives. The evidence presented by the theory will be used to develop a powerful model that can result in positive health results. The contexts and concepts of the selected theory will therefore be adapted in order to suit the targeted health objectives.
Social workers and human services professionals can guide communities to deal with the diseases affecting them. These practitioners can use various theories in order to support the concept of health promotion. Some of these models include “social cognitive and ecological theories” (Edgar & Volkman, 2012, p. 4). Individuals who want to promote the health of a given population should use the theories to implement the targeted programs or projects successfully. The theories will then present evidence-based concepts that can be used to change the behaviors of the targeted population. The professionals will use the project to guide the members of the community in order to identify the best practices that can result in health promotion (Liberman, Golden, & Earp, 2013). Stakeholders who want to improve the wellbeing of a given population will begin by understanding its health needs. This information will ensure the best health promotion is developed.
The most appropriate theory offers adequate guidelines that can be implemented depending on the unique needs of the targeted individuals (Davis, Campbell, Hildon, Hobbs, & Michie, 2015). The theory can be adjusted in such a way that it resonates with the changing needs of the community members. The use of theory is also advantageous because it can guide physicians, social workers, caregivers, and clinicians to have a common model for promoting health. The effective use of a specific theory will ensure sustainable programs are implemented. A theoretical model is also necessary because it informs the actions and initiatives undertaken by different professionals. By so doing, the most appropriate behaviors, evidence-based practices, disease prevention measures, and self-care strategies will emerge (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2017). When used effectively, the targeted theory will definitely deliver positive health results.
References
Davis, R., Campbell, R., Hildon, Z., Hobbs, L., & Michie, S. (2015). Theories of behaviour and behaviour change across the social and behavioural sciences: A scoping review. Health Psychology Review, 9(3), 323-344. Web.
Edgar, T., & Volkman, J. (2012). Using communication theory for health promotion: Practical guidance on message design and strategy. Health Promotion Practice, 13(5), 1-11. Web.
Golechha, M. (2016). Health promotion methods for smoking prevention and cessation: A comprehensive review of effectiveness and the way forward. International Journal of Preventive Medicine, 7(7), 1-6. Web.
Liberman, L., Golden, S., & Earp, J. (2013). Structural approaches to health promotion: What do we need to know about policy and environmental change? Health Education & Behavior, 40(5), 1-13. Web.
Taylor, J., O’Hara, L., & Barnes, M. (2014). Health promotion: A critical salutogenic science. International Journal of Social Work and Human Services Practice, 2(6), 283-290. Web.
Tengland, P. (2012). Behavior change or empowerment: On the ethics of health-promotion strategies.Public Health Ethics, 5(1), 140-153. Web.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2017). Theory at a glance: A guide for health promotion practice. Web.