Behavior-change action plans in primary care: a feasibility study of clinicians.

Purpose: Collaborative goal-setting--with clinician and patient together deciding on concrete behavior-change goals-may be more effective in encouraging healthy behaviors than traditional clinician-directed advice. This study explores whether it is feasible for clinicians to engage patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors in collaborative goal-setting and concrete action planning during the primary care visit.

Methods: Primary care clinicians were trained in goal-setting and action planning techniques and asked to conduct action plan discussions with study patients during medical visits.