femtrinnsmodell

Femtrinnsmodellen, or the five-step model, is a practical framework used in Norwegian public health and health promotion to guide counseling and decision support. It aims to structure conversations with individuals about health-related changes and to support tailored, feasible actions.

The five steps are: 1) Awareness and problem recognition, where the individual acknowledges the issue and its relevance; 2) Information and understanding of options, providing clear, balanced information about choices and consequences; 3) Decision and commitment to action, where a chosen course is agreed upon and motivated; 4) Action planning and implementation, translating decisions into concrete steps and timelines; 5) Follow-up and evaluation, monitoring progress, adjusting plans as needed, and reinforcing changes.

The model emphasizes client participation, shared decision-making, and adapting information to the person’s context, resources, and preferences. It is not a single theory of behavior change but a pragmatic workflow that can be applied across multiple settings and topics. In Norway, it is commonly used by health professionals in primary care, school health services, and workplace health programs to support lifestyle changes, preventive measures, vaccination decisions, and adherence to medical advice.

Strengths of femtrinnsmodellen include its simplicity, adaptability, and focus on person-centered communication. Limitations include the risk of oversimplification if steps are followed rigidly and the need for skilled facilitation to tailor information and goals to each individual. The model is typically seen as a practical aid rather than a fixed theory of behavior change.