Motivational Interviewing: Improving Patient Education

Many health care conditions require behavior change by the patient or parent to improve health outcomes. Poor outcomes may be attributed to the lack of adherence to the behavior change recommendations. A shift from the authoritarian, expert providing advice to a more family-centered, collaborative model using motivational interviewing (MI) results in improved adherence. The principles of MI are exploring ambivalence, reflective listening, reinforcing positive behavior, and rolling with resistance. The process for MI is establishing relationships; setting an agenda; assessing importance, confidence, and readiness; exploring importance; and helping families select an action plan and building confidence in their ability to change.