Integrating health promotion into nursing curricula in Hong Kong

Abstract

The health care system in Hong Kong has historically been steeped in the biomedical paradigm. Health care reform, however, is finally putting health promotion on the agenda of governments and health care providers. As the largest group of providers in Hong Kong, nurses must assume a leadership role in the transition of the current illness-focused system to one that emphasizes health and promotes wellness. For nurses to take up the challenge of health promotion, they need to acquire the requisite knowledge and skills. Nursing curricula must emphasize this new paradigm and provide opportunities for students to develop expertise in health promotion and disease prevention. This article describes a health-promotion initiative carried out by 1st-year students in an undergraduate nursing program in Hong Kong. The health-promotion project aims to prepare graduates who will be able to meet health care needs and function effectively in the future health care system. Not only will these nurses be capable of becoming future leaders of the health-promotion movement in Hong Kong, they are also contributing to the health and wellness of Hong Kong citizens.