During which stage of change should a patient be assisted in making a specific action plan?

During which stage of change should a patient be assisted in making a specific action plan?

• A. Contemplation
• B. Precontemplation
• C. Preparation
• D. Action

Answer: (C)

The preparation stage of change is characterized by an individual's intention to take action soon and typically involves developing a specific action plan. At this stage, a person is not only aware of the need for change but is also actively seeking ways to implement that change in their life. Creating an action plan is crucial because it helps the individual outline concrete steps and strategies that they can take to achieve their health and wellness goals. In the preparation stage, individuals may consider what resources they need, set timelines, and anticipate potential obstacles. It is a proactive stage where the groundwork is laid for upcoming changes, making it essential for healthcare providers to assist patients in crafting detailed plans that will facilitate their transition into the action stage, where they will start to execute their plans and adopt new behaviors. On the other hand, in the contemplation stage, individuals are still considering the possibility of change but have not yet committed to taking steps. In the precontemplation stage, they may not even recognize the need for change. The action stage, while involving implementation of the planned change, does not focus on planning; rather, it is about carrying out the behaviors identified in the preparation phase. Thus, the preparation stage is distinctly focused on strategizing and setting the stage for action, making it

The preparation stage of change is characterized by an individual's intention to take action soon and typically involves developing a specific action plan. At this stage, a person is not only aware of the need for change but is also actively seeking ways to implement that change in their life. Creating an action plan is crucial because it helps the individual outline concrete steps and strategies that they can take to achieve their health and wellness goals.

In the preparation stage, individuals may consider what resources they need, set timelines, and anticipate potential obstacles. It is a proactive stage where the groundwork is laid for upcoming changes, making it essential for healthcare providers to assist patients in crafting detailed plans that will facilitate their transition into the action stage, where they will start to execute their plans and adopt new behaviors.

On the other hand, in the contemplation stage, individuals are still considering the possibility of change but have not yet committed to taking steps. In the precontemplation stage, they may not even recognize the need for change. The action stage, while involving implementation of the planned change, does not focus on planning; rather, it is about carrying out the behaviors identified in the preparation phase. Thus, the preparation stage is distinctly focused on strategizing and setting the stage for action, making it