Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions



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CURRENT ISSUE BACK ISSUES SUBSCRIBE ADVERTISE ABOUT JCEHP FOR AUTHORS JCEHP AWARD SEARCH (Members only) FULL-TEXT		Volume 24 (4) Volume 24, Issue 4, Fall 2004 J Contin Educ Health Prof 2004; 24(4):197-204 REVIEW Commitment to change: exploring its role in changing physician behavior through continuing education Wakefield JG A b s t r a c t Statements of commitment to change are advocated both to promote physician change and to assess interventions designed to promote change. Although commitment to change is only one part of a complex process of change, recent progress has established a solid theoretical and research base to support this approach. Studies have demonstrated that it can be used effectively with many different types of educational activities and that statements of "plans to change" practice can predict actual changes. The importance of follow-up as part of the commitment to change model is becoming clearer, although questions remain about the most effective process to accomplish this and the optimal timing. Further research is needed to establish the effectiveness of the commitment-to-change approach itself, as well as to better understand the functions (and thus the forms) of the different components of the commitment-to-change model. Lessons for Practice Commitments to change can be used in many ways: stimulating reflection to promote change, planning educational programs, and evaluating impact. To be effective, the selection and use of an intervention strategy such as commitment to change must be guided by an understanding of the complexity of physician behavior change. The process used to solicit commitments to change can influence results. Although commitment-to-change strategy may be "overused" and decrease effectiveness, it may also encourage a way of reflecting and thinking about applying learning to practice. More research is needed to better understand the specific factors necessary for an effective commitment-to-change approach. Publication Types: Review MeSH Terms: Attitude of Health Personnel; Education, Medical, Continuing; Health Services Research; Intention; Organizational Innovation; Physician's Practice Patterns; Physician's Role
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