Section D: Change Model
The successful implementation of the proposed evidence-based project will depend on largely on the adopted model of change. Models of change provide frameworks that guide the interventions that are used to introduce the initiative in the clinical settings. Models also provide information about the different ways in which the implementation process of the change can be evaluated. Therefore, this section of the project explores the theory of change that will be adopted in the implementation of the evidence-based practice project.
Selected Model and Relevance to the Project
The selected model for use in the implementation of the project is the transtheoretical model of change. The transtheoretical model of change is also referred as the stages of change model. DiClemente and Prochaska developed it in the 1970s following their study on the experiences of smokers as they quit their smoking behaviors. The transtheoretical model focuses on the steps that individuals take in chancing their behaviors. The model also provides insights into the interventions that implementers of change need to embrace to initiate intentional change. The model is applicable to the project because it provides information on the ways in which gradual adoption of the change initiative can be achieved (Gellman & Turner, 2019). Transtheoretical model proposes that change occurs in steps that include pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and termination.
Stages and their Application
The first step in the transtheoretical model is pre-contemplation. Pre-contemplation is characterized by the adopters of change not willing to take any action that supports the change in the near future. The adopters are not willing to embrace the change due to their low level of awareness or lack of access to the support that they need to embrace the change. The adopters also have low level of awareness about the negative effect that their existing behaviors have on their health. As a result, they tend to underestimate the benefit of embracing interventions that will contribute positively to their behavior, health and wellbeing (Quartuch et al., 2021). African American women with osteoporosis are not aware of the importance of dietary supplementation of calcium and vitamin D to prevent fractures in this stage. Their low level of awareness affects their participation in healthy behaviors and lifestyle that minimize the risk of fractures. Therefore, they do not show any intentions of embracing dietary supplementation for calcium and vitamin D.
The second step in the transtheoretical model is contemplation. Contemplation is the stage where the adopters of the change begin to engage in healthy behaviors in the near future. The adopters of the change have become aware about the negative consequences of their behaviors. As a result, they explore the benefits as well as risks of adopting healthy behaviors and lifestyles that promote their health. Despite being informed about the benefits of change in their behaviors, the adopters are still ambivalent towards embracing change in this stage (Hagger et al., 2020). African American women will demonstrate the intention to embrace dietary supplementation of calcium and vitamin D in the contemplation stage. They also begin embracing dietary supplementation of calcium and vitamin D in their routines. However, they are unsure of the absolute use of the interventions as a way of minimizing and preventing the risk of fractures among them.
The third step in the model is preparation. Preparation is the stage where the adopters are willing to implement the change within a short period, usually 30 days. The adopters have made the decision to implement the change and use its interventions to promote their desired change in behavior. The adopters believe that changing their behaviors will contribute to their health and wellbeing (Boff et al., 2020). African American women with osteoporosis will have made a decision to implement dietary supplementation of calcium and vitamin D as part of their healthy lifestyle and behavior. They do so with a belief that the use of dietary supplements will improve their health by minimizing their risk of adverse events such as fractures and unnecessary hospitalizations.
The fourth step in the transtheoretical model is action. Action entails the adopters having changed their behaviors and willing to keep implementing additional interventions that will contribute to their positive change in behavior. The adopters modify their lifestyles and behaviors to accommodate the new interventions that contribute their health (Friman et al., 2017). The African American women with osteoporosis will have transformed their lifestyle and behaviors in this stage. They intend to maintain the use of dietary suppl
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