Using the PRECEDE model to plan men's health programs in a managed care setting.
Managed care organizations represent an important venue for delivering health promotion programs. However, most health plans do not employ public health strategies that match peoples' needs and preferences to effective behavior change techniques. This article focuses on the planning efforts by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) to address the problem of underutilization of preventive health care services among adult male members--an issue that has received comparatively little attention in the health behavior arena. BCBSNC planners used the PRECEDE planning process to define issues relevant to the target population and determine appropriate intervention strategies. Increasing perceived susceptibility and severity to disease, perceived benefits of screening, physician recommendation for screening, and health knowledge/awareness emerged as intervention priorities. The PRECEDE planning process yielded important evidence-based information and strategies to address men's underuse of preventive services and led BCBSNC to adopt new systems for planning interventions to promote the health of its members.
Quality Improvement Department, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, Durham, USA.
Margaret George
MG
Meador
Laura A
LA
Linnan
D000328:Adult; D054598:Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Plans; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology; D018672:Community Health Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017144:Focus Groups; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008329:Managed Care Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008571:Men / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017146:Models, Organizational; D009657:North Carolina; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016730:Program Development / Q000379:methods*; D012309:Risk-Taking