Structuring action from the use of a model for planning programs in healthpromotion

The aim of this paper is to present results which illustrate the role of th e PRECEDE-PROCEED model in the program planning process. Based on the resul ts of an implementation evaluation of the EMPOWER software which supports h ealth programming efforts, we have developed a metaphore to illustrate the use of the model. The following four functions of the model were identified : direction, coordination, articulation and transmission. Analysis of these functions demonstrated the structuring action of the model on planning. It would be interesting to further study how these four functions operate wit h or without the support of the software, to explore the influence of other health promotion models in their natural settings and to see in which way the same or other functions might be identified.