Recognizing the phenomenon of readiness: concept analysis and case study.

The concept of a phenomenon known as readiness will be analyzed. Using the Wilsonian method, the concept is broken down into a practical definition that allows nurses to assess this phenomenon in clinical practice. Nurses in AIDS care work with a patient population whose optimal health is often dependent on the ability to incorporate major lifestyle changes into their daily lives. Nursing interventions that assist patients to incorporate change must be presented to patients at a time when the patient's ability to succeed is optimal. The ability to recognize readiness in patients is essential for nurses providing AIDS care. This article discusses the concept of readiness, which may be necessary before behavior modification can occur. The phenomenon of readiness has application for various changes in behaviors, including adherence to primary prevention strategies.