Download Future Trends in Health Education


There will always be change

No one can predict the future
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

Change: U.S. population will become
older.
› Age demographic of 65+ is expected to
double by 2030.
› Baby Boomers (those born between 19461964).
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
Technology
 Family Structure
 Political Climate
 Medical Care Establishment


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

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
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 sensitivity
› Attitudes of respect and appreciation
› Understanding cultural “norms”
› Communication skills

“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


Re-emerging infections

New diseases

Environmental impact of overpopulation

Safety of food supply
Current eligibility for entry-level
academic preparation
 Sub-special certifications
 Reimbursement of services
 Skills vs content


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

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
Postsecondary institutions
 Health care & journalism
 International health education
 Sales
 Long-term care
 Consultant opportunities

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
