Precaution Adoption Model

Taking Action

Major obstacles such as lack of access to medical care or financial cost may deter an individual from deciding to act.  However, minor barriers like locating necessary information and lack of time management skills may be enough to prevent a person from taking action.  In many cases, time constraints are the rate-limiting factor.  Reaching the action stage depends also on the complexity of the precaution, on the availability of information, and on reminders to take action. 

The PAM and Colorectal Cancer Screening

The PAM is most applicable to complex, non-habitual behaviors with an emphasis on cognitive issues.  This paradigm is particularly relevant to cancer screening.

According to the PAM, before a patient will agree to screening he or she must

Stage 1

• Have heard of colorectal cancer.

Stage 2

• Understand that CRC is a deadly disease that affects many people.

Stage 3

• Recognize his or her personal susceptibility to colorectal cancer.

Stage 4 and 5

• Decide that being screened for CRC would be beneficial.
• Decide that the benefits outweigh the costs (e.g., fear of screening, distaste for the screening method, the need to take time from work for a screening appointment).

Stage 6

• Carry through with screening.

Stage 7

• Continue on the recommended screening schedule.