[Structuring action from using a model for planning health promotion programs].
The aim of this paper is to present results which illustrate the role of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model in the program planning process. Based on the results of an implementation evaluation of the EMPOWER software which supports health programming efforts, we have developed a metaphor 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 with 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.