Heart Education Awareness Resource and Training through eLearning (HEARTe)

CR physiotherapist home visit

Below is a decisional balance box that the CR physiotherapist uses in his discussion with Jean.

Decisional balance Benefits Drawbacks
Change
  • Back dancing with friends
  • Be with friends more
  • Getting out of the house
  • Feel better
  • Feel healthier
  • Get up stairs easier
  • Scared I get chest pain
  • Lost confidence
  • Too far to travel to hospital class
No Change
  • Wont worry about doing too much
  • No chest pain if I take it easy
  • I dont know what to do
  • Will feel lonely if I cant get out to meet friends
  • Will have to move house if cant get up stairs

Pulse point

A factor which affects behaviour change is an individuals perception of the barriers to change. The decisional balance sheet used by the physiotherapist allows Jean to consider the perceived benefits and drawbacks of increasing her physical activity against status quo. This tool is designed to enable Jean to make a considered decision to commit to a physical activity programme. Sometimes just seeing the benefits outweighing the list of disadvantages can motivate change. However, barrier identification also initiates discussion and development of strategies to overcome the perceived cons. This can then drive realistic goal setting to achieve the desired outcome.

Page last reviewed: 27 Jul 2020