Future Trends in Health Education

Health Education There will always be change No one can predict the future

Demographic Changes Demographic profiles: age, sex, race & ethnicity Change – U.S. population will continue to become more diverse. Race 2004 2020 2040 African American 13.0% 14.0% 13.7% Hispanic 12.2% 16.3% 21.7% Native American 0.90% 0.80% 1.0% Asian/Pacific Islander 4.0% 5.7% 7.9% Source: Pearson Education

Demographic Changes Change: U.S. population will become older. Age demographic of 65+ is expected to double by 2030. Baby Boomers (those born between 1946-1964).

Median Age of Population Aging Population Median Age of Population (Cottrell et al., 2009, p. 314) 1990 ………. 33.1 years 2000 ………. 35.5 years 2010 ………. 37.2 years 2020 ………. 37.6 years 2030 ………. 39.0 years

Societal Trends Technology Family Structure Political Climate Medical Care Establishment

Technology Informatics “The systematic application of information, computer science, and technology to public health practice and learning.” (IOM, Who Will Keep the Public Healthy, p. 63) Electronic medical records Computerized health assessments Web-based strategies Social marketing strategies/communication

Technology Genomics: Genetics: Study of single genes Genomics: Study of the entire human genome including single genes Implications: Therapeutic and preventive strategies Ethical and medical limitations Legal and social issues

Future of Professional Preparation Become more analytical thinkers Increase partnerships & collaboration Analyze situations & examine trends Cultural competence Multilevel interventions Community-Based Participatory Research Focus on schools More environmental activism

Cultural Competence Cultural sensitivity Attitudes of respect and appreciation Understanding cultural “norms” Communication skills

Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) “a partnership approach to research that equitably involves community members, organizational representatives, and researchers in all aspect of the research process.” (Israel et al., 2001) Changing funding practices Partners form long-term commitments Co-learning emphasized

Global Health Re-emerging infections New diseases Environmental impact of overpopulation Safety of food supply

Future of credentialing Current eligibility for entry-level academic preparation Sub-special certifications Reimbursement of services Skills vs content

Implications for Practice School settings: Children learn the best when healthy Better coordination of services Special skills may be needed Worksite: Health promotion/education seen as “fringe” benefit Higher productivity & reduced costs

Implications continued Community / Public Health Large variety of work Monitor and improve health of population Collaborative work effort Advocate for policies Health Care Variety of facilities Necessity for quality care

Alternative Opportunities Postsecondary institutions Health care & journalism International health education Sales Long-term care Consultant opportunities

Health educators…. Will have amazing opportunities Need to constantly update their skills Play a major role in keeping populations healthy Collaborate with other professionals Advocate for those who do not have a voice