A workforce survey of health promotion education and training needs in theState of Victoria

Objective: This study investigates the education and training needs of heal th professionals and factors affecting participation in education and train ing. Methods: A survey of health promotion professionals, health professionals, GPs and CEOs of community health centres, conducted across different settin gs and locations. Information was obtained on involvement in health promoti on activities, most useful content and format of past training, current pre ferences for education and training and barriers and incentives to educatio n and training. Results: Health promotion professionals were involved in the widest variety of health promotion activities, including more evaluation, research and pl anning than GPs and other health professionals who were involved in more cl ient-focussed activities. Professionals' preference for training content re flected the type of activities in which they were most frequently involved. Practical courses, of short duration, delivered by experienced peers or he alth promotion experts were preferred over university and TAFE courses. Pro fessionals in rural and provincial locations require both greater access to information on training and conveniently located training. More organisati onal support, funding and time release would encourage the training of prof essionals in government departments, community health centres and public ho spitals. Conclusions: To be most effective, training must be tailored to suit the sp ecific needs of different professionals involved in health promotion and ta ke into consideration how factors, such as financial incentives and time re lease, influence participation across different settings and locations. Implications: Further development of the health promotion workforce will re quire recognition of its professional diversity and a more responsive and o rganised approach to education and training programs.