John continues his CR assessment in the day area of the ward the next day. This assessment will integrate both physical and psychological components using behavioural change approaches.
Agenda setting is a good way to focus on the main concerns and avoid lecturing the patient or ‘talking in monologue’ is to use the agenda setting technique. Let’s look at these in relation to John.
The CR nurse encourages John by using an agenda setting tool which illustrates areas of lifestyle management that she asks John to consider.
Carol the CR nurse then asks John to consider how important these changes are to him and how confident he is to change using another tool called a Readiness Ruler.
The Readiness Ruler – Is a structured and directive way of enabling patients to say how they feel about a particular change within a couple of minutes.
Pulse point
Always remember that while every patient consultation is an opportunity for health behaviour change, lifestyle advice alone may not be sufficient to motivate the patient for change. It is helpful to focus collaboratively on areas the patient agrees to discuss. Consider upskilling yourself in motivational interviewing techniques or try the Public Health Scotland Scotland Behaviour Change e-module.
Page last reviewed: 27 Jul 2020
