Overview of Program Planning Models
Program planning models (PPMs) that deserve closer attention are the Generalized Model (GM), MAP-IT, PRECEDE-PROCEED, and Healthy Communities (HC). GM is possibly the most basic of the four and is applicable in many situations due to its moderate comprehensiveness. MAP-IT is comparable to GM, as both involve principles of assessment, planning, and evaluation, but MAP-IT appears more detailed by specifying the individuals responsible for improvement.
PRECEDE-PROCEED comprises steps similar to those of GM and MAP-IT, but adds additional concepts, such as assessment divided into three categories. The tool provided by HC seems to focus more on assessment than other PMMs, while somewhat neglecting implementation, and is parallel to MAP-IT in identifying accountable parties (McKenzie et al., 2017). Accordingly, the four PMMs have both resemblances and differences, with some being more intricate than others.
Introduction of a New Program Planning Model
The presented PPM, named LEADER, is shown in Diagram 1. Lead refers to identifying and gathering leaders since it should be clear who is responsible for the process (McKenzie et al., 2017; Valente & Pampuang, 2007). Examine the assessment to determine improvement needs, and the Architect means developing goals and solutions based on information obtained in the prior stage.
The two components are significant to understanding what health aspects should be addressed and how (McKenzie et al., 2017). Deploy stands for implementing interventions required to help individuals and communities. Evaluate means examining accomplishments, and Refine calls for adjusting processes if any shortcomings are detected, which is essential to ensure progress (McKenzie et al., 2017). Consequently, LEADER is designed to guide the enhancement of health.
LEADER improves upon existing models by embracing their distinctive qualities. For example, the proposed PPM begins with uniting accountable leaders, which is similar to MAP-IT mobilizing a coalition and HC assembling the community team. Moreover, LEADER follows the primary phases of GM, since PPMs typically align with GM’s components and resemble PRECEDE-PROCEED’s elements, but omits intricate parts (McKenzie et al., 2017). Notably, unlike the other four PPMs, LEADER also recognizes that there may be a need for improvement after implementation, thus including a refinement stage. Therefore, LEADER can be promising because it is based on popular PPMs.
References
McKenzie, J. F., Neiger, B. L., & Thackeray, R. (2017). Planning, implementing, & evaluating health promotion programs: A primer (7th ed.). Pearson Education.
Valente, T., & Pampuang, P. (2007). Identifying opinion leaders to promote behavior change. Health Education & Behavior, 34(6), 881–896.