Assessing health promotion activities of community nurses in a GP surgery in the North-East of England

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study the extent to which community nurses are involved in health promotion activities in a GP surgery in the North-East of England, and to investigate whether these activities meet the needs of their clients A combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods was used. Data was gathered through: (a) 75 non-participant observation sessions in various clinics. Field notes were analysed using the grounded theory approach; (b) 516 postal questionnaires to a random sample of the surgery patients, aged 17-45 years, covering their health status and lifestyle, and the health promotion information they have received from the GP surgery. A response of 64% was achieved. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS package for Windows 95; (c) A semi-structured interview with one of the general practitioners was carried out as a triangulation tool and as an additional source of information. Nurses were found to be involved more in health promotion as a pre-set procedure in clinics, rather than on an opportunistic basis. They seem to have an approach centred in the management of illness and risk factors rather than in a health promotion model, which promotes positive health and well being. Questionnaire analysis revealed unhealthy lifestyles among the population that could be tackled through health promotion, e.g. 25% were smokers; 44% exercised occasionally; 40% had a BMI> 25kg/m(^2). Mental health appeared to be an issue. A relatively low rate of lifestyle advice was observed and was also reported by the patients. A major constraint was the professionals' lack of time. In the present study, nurses were already engaged in some health promotion although more could be done, especially during technical procedures where opportunities to promote health were missed. More effective health promotion could be planned according to the needs of the practice population.