Population‐Based Public Health Interventions: 
Practice‐Based and Evidence‐Supported. 
Part I

Abstract

The Intervention Wheel is a population-based practice model that encompasses three levels of practice (community, systems, and individual/family) and 17 public health interventions. Each intervention and practice level contributes to improving population health. The Intervention Wheel, previously known as the Public Health Intervention Model, was originally introduced in 1998 by the Minnesota Department of Health, Section of Public Health Nursing. The model has been widely disseminated and used throughout the United States since that time. The evidence supporting the Intervention Wheel was recently subjected to a rigorous critique by regional and national experts. This critical process, which involved hundreds of public health nurses, resulted in a more robust Intervention Wheel and established the validity of the model. The critique also produced basic steps and best practices for each of the 17 interventions. Part I describes the Intervention Wheel, defines population-based practice, and details the recommended modifications and validation process. Part II provides examples of the innovative ways that the Intervention Wheel is being used in public health/public health nursing practice, education, and administration. The two articles provide a foundation and vision for population-based public health nursing practice and direction for improving population health.

Public health nursing interventions to promote quality of life in older adult populations: A systematic review

“…[41] The Public Health Intervention Wheel names population-focused interventions that public health professionals and organizations can use to bring about change resulting in improved health status and QoL. Originally developed by PHNs, the Wheel explains what PHNs and other professionals do in their work with individuals, communities, and systems.…”

“…PHNs in practice validated the Intervention Wheel. [41] The Wheel has been disseminated and used as a framework for public health nursing practice across the United States and internationally. [88] 2010 Denmark Quality: Many older references RCT, intervention group (n = 148).…”

“…At the individual level, interventions focus on changing the "knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, practices, and behaviors of individuals". [41] At the community level, interventions are aimed at changing "community norms, community attitudes, community awareness, community practices, and community behaviors". [41] When practitioners intervene at the systems level, the goal is to change "organizations, policies, laws, and power structures.…”

“…[41] At the community level, interventions are aimed at changing "community norms, community attitudes, community awareness, community practices, and community behaviors". [41] When practitioners intervene at the systems level, the goal is to change "organizations, policies, laws, and power structures. The focus is on the systems that impact health, not directly on individuals and communities".…”

“…The focus is on the systems that impact health, not directly on individuals and communities". [41] All interventions are aimed at improving population health. Additional assumptions of the framework include: 1) interventions are based on community assessment, 2) they take into account broad determinants of health, and 3) they emphasize health promotion and disease prevention.…”