Background

The systematic and theory-based development of interventions is complex and requires time as well as personnel resources. With WEPI we aim to develop a web-based planning tool for municipalities and schools, that follows the Intervention Mapping approach (IMA) but also supports the planning process of obesity prevention time saving and user oriented. The project is supported by the Federal Ministry of Health, Germany.

Methods

From April to October 2019 a first systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted using the databases Pubmed, LIVIVO and Cochrane. The purpose of this SLR was to identify existing tools for intervention planning as a basis for WEPI. To meet the requirements of the IMA, two further SLR were conducted in the same databases on evidence-based determinants of obesity development and on proven obesity intervention methods in 2020.

Results

The first SLR identified a total of 23 planning tools. Of these, four comprehensive and evidence-based ones were chosen: “Intervention Mapping”, “Getting To Outcomes”, “Six-Step Planning Model” and “Six Steps for Quality Intervention Development”. Intervention Mapping was identified as the most complex and frequently used tool for intervention planning. In combination with the other three planning tools it was simplified for WEPI to provide a user-friendly and evidence-based planning process. The second SLR revealed 806 hits. Determinants of obesity development were identified in 8 guidelines and 37 reviews. They were adopted in form of 15 problem areas which support the WEPI user to conduct an evidence-based problem analysis. The third SLR included 25 obesity prevention studies which were developed by using the IMA. Based on this, 192 evaluated methods were identified and integrated as good practice examples into the planning tool.

Conclusion

WEPI provides a comprehensive roadmap to the planning process, guiding the user step by step. Acceptance and usability of the WEPI planning tool will be evaluated with municipalities and schools in the trial phase from March to November 2020.