Ensuring Client Success: The MAP Process in Rehabilitation

When it comes to rehabilitation and treatment, clinicians often focus on the technical aspects of exercise prescription. However, the success of any intervention lies not just in the what, but also in the how and the when.

BJ Fogg, a behaviour scientist, presents a concise framework for understanding behaviour change: the MAP process, which stands for Motivation, Ability, and Prompt.

Let's delve into how each element can be applied in the clinician-patient relationship to set clients up for success.

Motivation: Uncovering the 'Why' Behind the Goal

Motivation is deeply rooted in our values and reasons for seeking change. As Simon Sinek eloquently states, "People don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it."

In the context of rehabilitation, it's not just about setting goals; it's about understanding the 'why' behind those goals.

Take the time to have meaningful conversations with your clients to discover their core values and how these relate to their health objectives.

Is it the connection that comes from playing with their grandchildren without pain, or the excitement in participating in a marathon they've always dreamed of?

By aligning the treatment plan with the client's personal values, you ignite a powerful internal motivation that sustains them through the ups and downs of their recovery journey.

Ability: Building the Capacity for Change

Ability is about ensuring clients are capable of performing the prescribed behaviours. This means tailoring exercises to suit their current physical condition and providing clear, easy-to-follow instructions. It's also about recognising and reducing barriers.

Do they have the necessary equipment at home? Can they perform the exercises with the time and space available to them? By simplifying the task and offering support, you enable your clients to turn their motivation into action.

I think physiotherapists are generally very good at this part of the process.

Prompt: The Cue for Action

A prompt is the trigger that tells your client it's time to perform the behaviour. Without a prompt, even the most motivated and capable individuals may fail to act.

Establish a routine or tie the exercises to an existing habit, like performing stretches after a morning shower. Technology can also be a valuable ally—consider suggesting reminder apps or alarms as prompts. The important factor here is the prompt must be elicited from your client, not you.

By integrating the MAP process into your practice, you go beyond the prescription of exercises. You create an environment where motivation, ability, and prompts coalesce to facilitate lasting change.

Remember, the best intentions need the right support to flourish. As a clinician, your role is to guide, empower, and prompt your clients on their journey to recovery and beyond.

Setting Up for Success

Incorporating the MAP process into your clinical practice means taking a holistic approach to client care. It's about acknowledging that behaviour change is complex and requires more than just good intentions.

By focusing on motivation, ability, and prompts, you're not just prescribing exercises; you're fostering an ecosystem where your clients are more likely to succeed. With this mindset, you'll be able to provide care that not only heals but also transforms.

Contact me to find out when I’m coming to your state for communication skills workshops: [email protected]

CS4CS Communication Skills 4 Client Success Level 1 Workshop Perth 1st and 2nd November