Community-oriented health promotion by the general practitioner in collaboration with the 'House of the child'

Jens Haegeman, Lauren Vandepitte

Background:

As general practitioners, children between the ages of six and twelve are often only seen for short-episode care. Yet school-age children also face increasing health risks, including obesity. Children with a migration background appear to be an extra relevant target group for healthy lifestyle interventions.

Research questions:

On the one hand, we assessed the influence of health educational play sessions on children. On the other hand, what the role of the GP can be in health promotion at neighborhood level.

Method:

During an organized language camp we integrate two play sessions where healthy food and exercise are central. This is followed by a focus group with the parents in which they reflect on healthy parenting and the challenges involved. The intervention is evaluated using the 'Realist Evaluation' method. Data is obtained through a focus group with parents, an in-depth interview with a pedagogue and a panel discussion with fellow general practitioners-in-training.

Results:

Contextually, the composition of the target group, the location and the presence of the GP appear to be important. In a thorough review of the mechanism of our sessions, the following elements play a role: the design and content of the play sessions, our attitude and participation as a general practitioner and the collaboration with the known social partner. As a result, we see a discussion of health, awareness about this and a changed view on the role of the GP.

Conclusions:

The study shows a possible strategy to be able to participate in health promotion in children as a general practitioner within the district. Afterwards, our participation in the play sessions on health is discussed among the children and also at home with the parents. Active participation as a general practitioner, without teaching, could lead to awareness of one's own healthy lifestyle and low-threshold access to primary care. The collaboration with a local social partner appears to be an essential spearhead in this regard by selecting a relevant target group and offering the right setting for a project.

Points for discussion:

#4