


The website that reviews what works to engage patients and the public in healthcare.
Health promotion
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Health promotion
The UK faces very significant public health challenges which threaten to overburden the healthcare system and the economy.
Responsibility for promoting public health lies within many sectors of public and commercial life and spans the responsibilities of many government departments; but the NHS and all those who work within it have a clear and important role to play.
Best Buys
Best Buys include:
- mass media campaigns
- targeted health promotion and social marketing campaigns
- advice given during patients' contacts with health professionals.
Parenting programmes, home visits and health education in schools have demonstrable impact on children's health.
Physical activity programmes help older people.
Proactive telephone counselling using motivational techniques is effective.
There is weaker evidence for self-help programmes and websites.
Download Best Buys health promotion ![]()
References
References to the original research studies are given throughout the text in this section.
Roll your cursor over the reference to see a pop-up of the study title and authors. Click the pop-up to go to the full reference on the References page.
