Integration of theory, practitioner standards, literature findings, and baseline data: a case study in planning...

Delineation of the planning process necessary for designing sound education programs aimed at changes in health behavior continues to be a primary concern of health educators. Careful planning will ultimately maximize the application of existing evidence and identify areas in need of further research and evaluation. This paper discusses the preliminary and refinement planning phases involved in the design of an educational program for a three-year breast self-examination demonstration/evaluation project. The initial phase involved review of empirical data of previous studies, and application of behavioral science theory and standards of professional practice. The refinement phase involved the application of results from a community diagnostic baseline survey of the target population. Factors found to correlate with BSE practice were integrated into the educational strategies: group sessions in classes and informal workshops, a breast exam clinic, and mass media activities.