Using the stages of change model to improve communication about advance care planning

TOPIC: Advance care planning (ACP) is a term intended to describe the dynamic process of discussing wishes for future medical care. PURPOSE: To demonstrate how a behavior change model can be used to enhance ACP. SOURCES: Authors' personal experience, workshops, literature review. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating behavioral change theory helps develop workable interventions and provides strategies for nurses to approach patients appropriately about planning for future medical care.