THE LINKAGE APPROACH APPLIED TO A SCHOOL-BASED SMOKING PREVENTION PROGRAM IN THE NETHERLANDS

Effective diffusion strategies are necessary to enhance use of innovative health promotion programs. One strategy uses the linkage approach to innovation-development and diffusion planning. The linkage approach enhances collaboration among three systems: resource system (university-based researchers), linkage system (district health educators), and user system (teachers). This article illustrates how the linkage approach was applied in a smoking prevention research project. Identification of the linkage system and the collaborative process between the resource system and linkage system are described. Results from a process evaluation indicated the linkage approach was feasible in a school-based smoking prevention project.