Health promoting schools - false starts and new directions in central Sydney

Issue addressed: The Health Promoting Schools (HPS) framework has the potential to contribute to a positive school environment and student health outcomes; however, implementation of HPS programs can be difficult. This paper explores issues related to the implementation of an HPS program by the Central Sydney Area Health Service. Methods: The Central Sydney HPS model was examined through in-depth interviews with 31 key stakeholders and two focus groups with teachers in 2000. Results: Key implementation problems included confusion about the framework of HPS, poor communication about HPS within schools and between health and education sector staff, and lack of clarity around respective roles. Conclusions: Structured and labour-intensive efforts to communicate HPS philosophy, roles and responsibilities and procedures are essential and cannot be circumvented. So what: For HPS to achieve positive outcomes, an investment in communication and engagement of stakeholders is essential. (author abstract)