Background & Overview

A pre-cursor of BAP, “UB-PAP” (“Ultra-Brief Personal Action Planning”), was initially developed by Steven Cole, circa 2002, as a patient self-management support tool for the Health Disparities Collaboratives for chronic conditions (e.g. diabetes, heart disease, depression, and asthma) in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). Between 2002 – 2010, UB-PAP was published by the AMA, presented in a peer-reviewed poster, used in health centers, and studied in dissertation research. Circa 2010, with contributions from three members of MINT (Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers) (Gutnick D, Davis C, Reims K), UB-PAP was revised into the current formulation of Brief Action Planning (BAP). Since then, BAP has been widely used in the US and internationally.

A scoping review of the literature (2023) reported 143 peer-reviewed publications and internet searches of “Brief Action Planning (BAP” yield thousands of results including peer-reviewed publications and abstracts as well as teaching programs, videos, power point presentations, curricula and other diverse applications across  healthcare settings. A systematic review and meta-analysis of BAP in health and healthcare was presented at the APTR (Association for Prevention Teaching and Research) in Cleveland, OH, March 2025 (Jadotte, Y. T., Carroll, W., Buccholz, B., Wingood, M., & Cole, S) and has been submitted for publication.

• A Versatile MI-consistent Tool
  BAP is a pragmatic, evidence-informed, and versatile MI-consistent tool designed to support patient self-management and facilitate health behavior change.
• For Patients Ready, or Nearly Ready, for Action Planning
  BAP is especially appropriate for patients who are ready, or almost ready, for action planning.
• For MI Practitioners
  For MI practitioners, BAP offers an evidence-informed, efficient, and flexible roadmap from “Évocation” into and through “Planning.”