Implementation Considerations

Before implementing a health promotion and disease prevention program, consider the environment, staff, and systems that will support the program. The following factors should be considered:

Identify the target population and their key health needs. It is important to conduct a needs assessment to identify community factors that will affect program implementation. These include local health concerns, barriers, resources, complexity of local dynamics, and cultural acceptability.

Involve passionate people in all program aspects. Involve staff who are valued by the community and passionate about the program's goal and purpose. These staff are sometimes referred to as “program champions.” Motivated staff who are known by community members can positively influence program participation and acceptance.

Assess staff capacity. Involve staff who possess the knowledge, background, and skills necessary for the position. Additional training may be necessary.

Seek and maintain support from partners. Involve partners with similar missions and goals. See Partnerships and Coalitions for guidelines for identifying appropriate partners.

Facilitate administrative support for the program. Successful programs have administrative supports that encourage positive environments and reduce barriers to implementation. Organizations should be proactive in ensuring their resources, policies, procedures, and communication systems support program efforts.

Additional Implementation Considerations are available in the Rural Community Health Toolkit.

Resources to Learn More

Develop Strategic and Action Plans
Website
Provides information that supports the development of a vision, mission, objectives, strategies, and action plan.
Organization(s): Community Tool Box

Planning Health Promotion Programs: Introductory Workbook, 4th ed.
Document
Explains the six steps involved in planning an evidence-informed health promotion program. To complement the workbook, a series of audio presentations provide a brief overview of each step.
Organization(s): Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion (Public Health Ontario)
Date: 10/2018

Program Planning Resource
Website
Defines the steps in planning, implementing, and evaluating a health program and provides links to resources that support each step.
Organization(s): The Community Guide

Tools for Implementing an Evidence-Based Approach in Public Health Practice
Document
Easily accessible and time-efficient tools for implementing an evidence-based public health approach to improve population health.
Authors(s): Jacobs, J.A., Jones, E., Gabella, B. A., Spring, B., & Brownson, R.C.
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 9
Date: 2012