Objective To examine how a structured, phased pre-implementation strategy was used to plan the transfer of the Finnish Smart Family (Neuvokas perhe) lifestyle counselling best practice to six European countries, compare baseline situations and identify lessons for planning the transfer of evidence-based best practices in health promotion across contexts. Method A descriptive, comparative pre-implementation study based on document analysis of standardised planning deliverables from six countries. Implementing partners were guided to use common templates, adapted from the previous Joint Action CHRODIS PLUS implementation strategy, to prepare a baseline situation analysis with scope definition, a SWOT analysis, and a pilot action plan. Data were extracted into a cross-country matrix, compared across countries, and validated with country representatives. Results All countries completed the planned pre-implementation requirements and proceeded to the implementation phase. Countries identified settings where lifestyle counselling was already delivered (primary healthcare, community nursing, schools, and/or digital services). A shared indicator focusing on changes in lifestyle counselling practices was agreed. Common priorities included strengthening professionals’ competence in motivational, strength-based counselling and supporting families’ lifestyle habits and parenting skills. Conclusions A structured, phased and template-driven pre-implementation strategy supported comparable planning across diverse contexts and agreement on a shared indicator. Across countries, the plans prioritised strengthening professionals’ counselling competence, supporting families, and integrating health-promoting activities into existing services. Implementation outcomes will be reported separately.
