Identifying the opportunities for health promoting emergency departments.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the opportunities for health promotion in emergency departments (EDs).


METHODS
A comprehensive literature review and consultation with ED staff (seven focus groups) and other health professionals (workshop).


RESULTS
Opportunities for patient health information and education within EDs are described in the literature. In contrast, the health promoting hospitals literature showcases integrated approaches for health promotion, emphasizing organisational structures, and culture changes to support effective health promotion. This type of integration has not developed in EDs, where individual issues based health promotion projects have emerged. ED staff readily described the:existing health promotion interventions and possible improvements and opportunities for potential health promotion interventions related to the needs of their patients, the community or their organisation. Other health professionals supported EDs taking a greater role in health promotion and suggested organisational partnerships that would assist in developing this.


CONCLUSIONS
There are numerous opportunities to enhance health promotion in EDs. With support, EDs could deliver comprehensive health promotion programs for patients, staff, and communities.
Bensberg
Monica
M
InformED Program, Department of Emergency Medicine & Ambulatory Care, Angliss Hospital, Ferntree Gully, 3156, Melbourne, Australia.
Kennedy
Marcus
M
Bennetts
Scott
S
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D017144:Focus Groups; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D010564:Personnel, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D010819:Physician's Role; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires