Assessing Readiness for Change: A Novel Application of the Transtheoretical Model of Health Behavior Changes in a Pre-Renal Insufficiency Clinic

Abstract

The transtheoretical model of health behavior change was applied by a social worker in a Canadian pre-renal insufficiency clinic as a method to facilitate and support the behavior change required by patients to initiate renal replacement therapy. A chart review of 102 patients was undertaken to determine the ratio of patients in various stages of change and determine the statistical relationship between stages of change, activities of daily living and demographic characteristics. Major findings revealed a significant correlation between stages of change and activities of daily living and stages of change and age. Future research should focus on developing a standardized staging tool for this population. Implications for social work practice are discussed.