Local action groups in prevention of child accidents

Local action groups, organized by public health nurses, were formed in eight municipalities of Norway in order to prevent childhood accidents. The process of establishing such action groups and their way of operating are reported. The study revealed a potential for local activities in health promotion and yielded experience worth considering when starting similar projects. A project should be designed locally and priorities based upon locally felt needs. Formal channels for transferring knowledge from the health sector to other sectors in the municipality need to be established. An action group consisting of both lay people and professionals seems to be the most efficient means.