Behavior Change

Question 1

What are the key learning outcomes of the ‘Supporting Behaviour Change’ session?

Answer 1

1. Understand that changing health behaviours is difficult.
2. Understand the process of behaviour change.
3. Identify factors influencing successful change.

Question 2

Why isn’t simply providing health information enough to change behaviour?

Answer 2

Because behaviour is influenced by deeper psychological, social, and motivational factors. We need to understand what drives behaviour before attempting to change it.

Question 3

What are the five stages in the Stages of Change model?

Answer 3

1. Pre-contemplation – Not considering change
2. Contemplation – Thinking about change
3. Preparation – Getting ready to change
4. Action – Actively making changes
5. Maintenance – Sustaining the change

Question 4

What are the strengths and limitations of the Stages of Change model?

Answer 4

Strengths: Emphasises stage-specific needs, highlights risk of relapse.
Limitations: Does not offer much guidance on how to support change.

Question 5

What does COM-B stand for?

Answer 5

C: Capability – Knowledge and skills (psychological and physical)
O: Opportunity – Environmental and social support (physical and social)
M: Motivation – Internal processes (reflective and automatic)

Question 6

How can we increase Capability in patients?

Answer 6

Provide education (consultations, leaflets), training in devices (e.g., dosette boxes), and signposting to support services.

Question 7

How can we increase Opportunity for behaviour change?

Answer 7

Run health campaigns (e.g., Stoptober), make help accessible, and provide supportive environments.

Question 8

How can we increase Motivation for behaviour change?

Answer 8

Encourage reflection on long-term benefits, support automatic motivation with reminders, and improve capability and opportunity.

Question 9

What are the steps to supporting someone to change a behaviour?

Answer 9

1. Identify the behaviour and goal.
2. Analyse barriers using COM-B.
3. Choose a suitable intervention.
4. Use the Ask–Advise–Act approach.

Question 10

Define the components of the COM-B model and describe how it helps support a patient’s behaviour change. (SAQ)

Answer 10

Capability: Does the patient have the skills/knowledge?
Opportunity: Are there external supports or barriers?
Motivation: Is the patient internally driven?
Helps identify barriers and tailor interventions.
Supports structured change planning.

Question 11

Mr HS wants help quitting smoking and has set a quit date. What stage of change is he in?

Answer 11

Preparation

Question 12

What are the key points summarising the session on behaviour change?

Answer 12

Behaviour change is hard. People need to be at the right stage and have appropriate support. COM-B and Stages of Change models guide interventions.