How can an FNP assess a patient’s smoking cessation readiness?

The Stages of Change model, also known as the Transtheoretical Model, is a widely recognized framework for assessing an individual’s readiness to change a specific behavior, such as smoking cessation. This model identifies five stages through which individuals typically progress: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance.

By utilizing this model, an FNP can gain meaningful insights into where the patient currently stands in their smoking cessation journey. For instance, if a patient is in the precontemplation stage, they may not even recognize that smoking cessation is a necessary change, while a patient in the action stage is actively trying to quit. This understanding allows the FNP to tailor interventions and counseling strategies that align with the patient's specific readiness level, facilitating more effective communication and support.

While using a questionnaire can help gather information and may provide useful insights into the patient's habits and motivations for quitting, it does not inherently provide a framework for gauging readiness as comprehensively as the Stages of Change model. Conducting a physical exam might reveal health issues related to smoking, but it wouldn't directly assess the patient's intentions or readiness to quit. Similarly, reviewing the medical history can provide context regarding smoking-related health consequences but does not effectively capture the psychological readiness