Plan for success: Behavior change tool designed to bridge the gap between health information and behavior change

Background: It is well documented that health information alone does not often result in behavior change. The individual needs to be highly motivated and made aware of the various known and unknown barriers they will face. Often formulating personal strategies tailored to the individual will increase the likelihood of successful behavior change.

Objective: To develop a tool that would facilitate and support individuals that have already received health information as they are contemplating behavior change.

Method: After participants are provided with health information, they are asked to identify one behavior change they wish to make. The instrument, “Plan for Success”, prompts the individual through a series of questions to design an action plan to support the changes s/he is contemplating. The individuals design their plan of action based on their own circumstances, barriers and values, thus, empowering them with self-efficacy. This tool was developed based on behavior change theory and is designed to motivate individuals to begin the mental process of actualizing behavior change. After four weeks, the participants are contacted to monitor their progress and what barriers they have encountered. To meet the needs of our Spanish speaking community, the tool was modified to be culturally sensitive.

Results:

Preliminary data indicates that this behavior change tool not only is successful in motivating behavior change, but also enhances recall of health information. It appears to bridge the gap between information and actual behavior change. The process also reinforces information that was applicable or of importance to the individual.