|
Patient motivation – readiness to change |
|
It is preferable to use a qualitative tool to assess if the patient is ready to lose weight. The following tool is based on the work of Prochaska and Diclemente and has been used by the CounterWeight Programme.
Questions to ask the patient (can be given in the form of a questionnaire before calling patients into the clinics)
- In the past month, have you been actively trying to lose weight? Y/N
- In the past month, have you been actively trying to keep from gaining weight? Y/N
- Are you seriously considering trying to lose weight to reach your goal in the next 6 months? Y/N
- Have you maintained your desired weight for more than 6 months? Y/N
|
Stage |
Q1 |
Q2 |
Q3 |
Q4 |
|
|
Pre- Contemplation |
N |
N |
N |
|
These patients are not considering losing weight in the next six months. Reassess readiness to change at future apointments |
|
Contemplation |
N |
N |
Y |
|
This group includes those patients who are seriously considering losing weight. Refer to treatment algorithm |
|
Action |
Y on Q1 or Q2 |
|
N |
Patients who are activly trying to lose weight or have been successful but for less than six months. Reinforce all changes and encourage. Give additional support as required. |
|
Maintanance |
Y on Q1 or Q2 |
|
Y |
Patients who have successfully maintained their weight loss for at least six months. Reinforce all changes and encourage. | If the patient is at contemplation, action or maintenance position on the cycle of change he or she is appropriate for a weight management intervention. |
