A Novel Approach to Healthcare

A novel approach to healthcare involves clinicians understanding our role in patient care, emphasizing our presence and attentiveness to the stages of change. Modern healthcare demands that clinicians go beyond conventional roles, focusing on patient-centered care and adapting to the stages of change. This article explores the evolving role of clinicians, emphasizing the importance of presence and awareness of the stages of change in patient care.

Understanding Our Role:
As clinicians, we serve as more than just medical experts; we are advocates, supporters, and partners in our patients’ journeys to wellness. Our role encompasses providing compassionate care, fostering trust, and guiding patients through the process of change.

Incorporating Stages of Change:
The stages of change model[1] offers a framework for understanding patients’ readiness to modify behavior. By recognizing and respecting where patients are in their journey, we can tailor interventions to meet their needs effectively.

Practical Applications:

1. Establishing Trust: Building strong relationships with patients starts with empathy, active listening, and non-judgmental support. Being present and attentive establishes a foundation of trust[2] essential for effective care.
2. Assessing Readiness: Using techniques such as motivational interviewing, we can assess where patients are in the stages of change.[3] This insight guides our approach, ensuring interventions are appropriate and well-timed.
3. Providing Support: Our role involves offering support and encouragement as patients navigate the change process. By being accessible and responsive, we empower patients to take ownership of their health.[4]
4. Monitoring Progress: Regular follow-up allows us to track patients’ progress, celebrate successes, and address setbacks. Adjusting our approach based on patients’ evolving needs maximizes the likelihood of sustained change.

Conclusion:
Incorporating the stages of change into our practice transforms the way we deliver care, prioritizing patient-centeredness and adaptability.[5] By understanding our role as clinicians and embracing the stages of change, we can provide compassionate, effective care that supports patients on their path to wellness.

[1] Norcross, John C., Paul M. Krebs, and James O. Prochaska. “Stages of change.” Journal of clinical psychology 67.2 (2011): 143-154.

[2] Mahoney, Joyce G. Strategies clinicians use to create a trusting and working alliance via telephone-Internet venues. Capella University, 2015.

[3] McKay, Dean. “Motivational interviewing: Accelerating readiness to change.” Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy (2021).

[4] Noyce, Rosie, and Jane Simpson. “The experience of forming a therapeutic relationship from the client’s perspective: A metasynthesis.” Psychotherapy Research 28.2 (2018): 281-296.

[5] Norcross, John C., and Bruce E. Wampold. “A new therapy for each patient: Evidence‐based relationships and responsiveness.” Journal of clinical psychology 74.11 (2018): 1889-1906.