Objective: During the 1970s and 1980s, Prochaska and DiClemente developed the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of Change to explain, predict, and change multiple human behaviors. This study applied the TTM to measure pharmacists' readiness for rendering pharmaceutical care. It also identified and measured factors that facilitate rendering pharmaceutical care and factors that are barriers, as well as the strength of these factors for each stage of readiness.
Design: Data were collected using an instrument developed following the work of Prochaska. Pharmacists completed this survey at the 1996 APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition.
Results: The results support the theory behind the TTM; that is, with any behavior change, individuals will fall into several stages of readiness for change, and the vast majority will not be ready to take action within the next six months. Also consistent with the theory, the cons of engaging in a behavior tended to be more salient for individuals in the precontemplation/contemplation stages than for those in the action/maintenance stages. Individuals in administrative positions are more likely to engage in behavior that leads to submitting documentation for compensation.
Conclusion: Continuing education efforts must address the needs identified in each stage of readiness.