Spectrum of Prevention (PDF) - Sierra Health Foundation

Using the Spectrum of Prevention to
Change Systems, Norms & Environments
PURPOSE: Use the Spectrum of Prevention as a tool to develop a comprehensive set of actions to achieve a proposed
goal. It is not important to focus on a goal that is directly applicable to the community you live or work in, but
rather focus on understanding how the Spectrum can help get you thinking strategically about a systems change
approach.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Divide into your small groups as instructed.
Identify a time-keeper who will keep the group moving through the activity.
Identify a scribe/reporter who will write up the group’s Spectrum activities on the Spectrum worksheet and report
back to the large group.
As a group, identify a goal for your Spectrum planning activity:
Our goal is to __________________________________________________________
As a group, use your answers from your Two Steps Back worksheet to fill out the following sentence:
Our goal is to reduce ________________ (health issue identified in column A) and strengthen
__________________________ (healthy community factor identified in column C) by addressing
___________________________ (community element identified in column D).
Using the blank Spectrum of Prevention table, work individually for 10 minutes, starting to identify strategies and
activities along the Spectrum to achieve the goal you identified above.
Return to your small group. You will have 25 minutes to work together to fill in your Spectrum worksheet.
HELPFUL HINTS:
o As you go through the levels of the spectrum, identify key partners and players.
o Focus your activities at levels 5 and 6 of the Spectrum.
o Actions at all levels should focus on a primary prevention approach – strategies that are designed to
stop and prevent illnesses, injuries and adverse conditions before they exist.
221 Oak Street Oakland, CA 94607 510.444.7738 fax 510.663.1280 www.preventioninstitute.org

Using the Spectrum of Prevention to Change Systems, Norms & Environments
Step 3: At each level of the Spectrum of Prevention, list activities that will address your identified community element. Develop activities that build on each other to create
synergy. Be sure that your activities are primary prevention focused - designed to prevent illness and injury before they occur.
Example goal: Reduce indoor smoking and exposure to second-hand-smoke.
Spectrum Level
Activities / Strategies
6. Influencing Policy and Legislation
Developing strategies to change laws and policies to influence outcomes in
health and safety.
(Example: City Council passes a smoke-free multi-unit housing ordinance.)
5. Changing Organizational Practices
Adopting regulations and procedures to improve health and safety and create
new standards for organizations.
(Example: Building Management Company ensures employees are trained on the benefits of smoke-free
multi-unit housing.)
4. Fostering Coalitions and Networks
Bringing together groups and individuals for broader goals and greater impact
(Example: A coalition of health advocates, clinicians, and public health professionals come together to
work on tobacco use prevention policies including smoke-free multi-unit housing.)
3. Educating Providers
Informing providers who will transmit skills and knowledge to others or to
become champions or advocates for your goal.
(Example: Sharing with building managers the benefits of smoke-free multi-unit housing and how
these policies can increase comfort of residents and improve health.)
2. Promoting Community Education
Reaching groups of people with information and resources to promote healthy
eating, activity and safety or to prevent unhealthy practices.
(Example: Letter to the Editor or article in local newspaper discussing smoke-free mult-unit housing
policies and tobacco use prevention.)
1. Strengthening Individual Knowledge & Skills
Enhancing an individual’s capacity to eat healthy, get active or to avoid
unhealthy behaviors / environments.
(Example: Quit-line to help tobacco users learn cessation behaviors.)
221 Oak Street Oakland, CA 94607 510.444.7738 fax 510.663.1280 www.preventioninstitute.org