Describe a health promotion model used to initiate behavioral changes.

The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) is a health promotion model often used to initiate behavioral change. This model proposes that individuals progress through five stages of change when making lifestyle changes, including precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance  (Lally & Oglesby 2011). The goal of this model is to help individuals make healthy behavior modifications by helping them move from one stage to the next. For example, an individual in the precontemplation stage may be unaware of their need for change and unready to take any steps towards changing their behavior. In this instance a nurse can educate the patient about healthier behaviors so they become aware enough of the need for change that they enter into the contemplation stage and begin considering options for following new behaviors (Bandura 2001).

Various barriers can prevent learning from being effective such as lack of resources or environmental support systems (Lally & Oglesby 2011). Factors such as age or physical limitations could also act as hindrances to learning if not properly accounted for. A patient\’s readiness to learn affects learning outcomes because patients who are ready are more likely able and willing find ways work around potential barriers rather than ignoring issue at hand altogether . When there alignment between readiness level desired outcome then interventions applied much more effective since different approaches must taken based person\’s particular circumstances sustain commitment long term which results better chances success program offer retain newly acquired knowledge practice it regularly establish habit where needed thus maximize effectiveness teaching efforts. Bandura A (2001) Social cognitive theory self efficacy Human Performance Vol 14 No 4 pp 265 – 298.
Lally PJ & Oglesby M (2011 ) Assessing motivating factors effects transitions transtheoretical continuum Int J Nurs Stud 48 2309 – 2320.