This can be a mental assessment or can involve actual collection and analysis of data. The seven categories above are intended to be used with each of the following levels of use as focal points for developing diagnostic questions and observations. From the insights you get, you will be able to determine a person's competencies for using the change you want to take place. Just like stages of concern, a person is primarily at one of these use levels at a particular time during the change process. Non-Use is the level at which the user has little or no knowledge of the change, no involvement with the change, and is doing nothing toward becoming involved.
Preparation is the level at which the user is preparing for first use of the change.
Modifications in use are made more to meet user needs than others' needs. Routine is the level where use of the change is stabilized. Few, if any, modifications are being made in daily use. Little preparation or thought is being given to improving the change, its use or its consequences. Refinement is the level at which the user varies the use of the change to increase effectiveness within an immediate sphere of influence.