A community program in primary care for control of cardiovascular risk factors: steps in program development

A community program for the control of cardiovascular risk factors, the CHAD program, was integrated into the primary care system of a family practice in Jerusalem. The steps used in introducing a community orientation in primary health care are used as a basis for description of the program. In the preliminary steps cardiovascular diseases and their risk factors were defined as the priority for the adult population of the community. Community diagnosis was undertaken to serve as a baseline for program content and evaluation. Planning for intervention included setting up objectives and planning strategies using standardized guidelines, and preparation of the staff and the community. Methods of implementation and surveillance are described. Two examples of evaluation of the program are cited.