Narrative view of the role of health promotion and salutogenesis in the treatment of chronic disease: viability and value for the care of cardiovascular conditions

Abstract

Health promotion provides a complementary scientific and practical approach to medicine, which may help to create, maintain and restore wellness even in the presence of disease and illness. Salutogenesis, as key concept, focuses upon the emergence of health and thus, leads to fortifying individuals’ and communities’ health determinants and resources. The potential integration of health promotion and medicine can contribute to a more person-centred focus of integrative care to address and realize individuals’ health potential and needs, rather than merely an emphasis upon the underlying disease, such as congenital heart diseases. We posit that it is possible—and advisable—to address lifestyle modification aspects, and to change the focus of therapeutic encounters and health care programs to be more tailored to and aligned with individual needs, demands and expectations. By adopting a health promotional approach to the individual patient as person, their subjective biography, narrative and lifeworld can serve as resources for developing more beneficial coping styles, resilience and trajectories for personal growth over the life span, despite the occurrence and durability of chronic conditions, such as long-term cardiovascular disease. Implications, important contingencies and requirements for education and training of health-care professionals are addressed, as they are key issues that may affect the successful development and engagement of health promotion programs within health care systems at-large.