Stages of change theory and the nicotine-dependent client: direction for decision making in nursing practice

Clinical practice is the basic purpose of nursing. Nursing's evolving professional development calls for the application of theory to direct decision making in nursing practice. Therefore, in an attempt to bridge what has been described as the "theory-practice gap," the author demonstrates how Prochaska and DiClemente's stages of change theory is relevant to nursing practice. According to Prochaska and DiClemente, behavioral change, such as smoking cessation, involves a process of five identified stages: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. The author discusses each stage of change and the framework it provides for decision making in nursing practice. The concept of relapse is described and highlighted as a valuable learning experience. Finally, using the criteria set by Chinn and Kramer, systematic evaluation of the stages of change theory pinpoints strengths and discusses integration of the theory into nursing practice.