Motivational Interviewing Skills for Patient Telephone Encounters

According to Pignataro, and Huddleston (2015) motivational interviewing is a patient centered approach to help patients recognize the importance of behavioral risks and how changing their behavior will improve their health (p. 63). Before we delve into learning how to implement motivational interviewing skills it is important to understand and learn the stages of change. Recognizing which stage the patient is in will help you identify how to motivate them to change or move to the next stage in the change cycle. The Transtheoretical model of change identifies six stages in the change process they are: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and relapse (Harrell, Trenz, Scherer, Martins, Latimer, 2013, p).

It is important to recognize the cycle is not linear, meaning relapse can occur at anytime in the change cycle.

Precontemplation – patients who are in the precontemplation phase do not recognize or do not want to recognize they have a problem (Socialworktech, 2012). They like what they are doing and think everyone else has a problem, not them.

Contemplation – patient who are in the contemplation phase recognize they have a problem (Socialworktech, 2012). Maybe the got a DUI or got in trouble at work or with a loved one.

Preparation – this is where patients are receptive to information about treatment. They are now convinced they need to change and believe they can be successful at changing their behavior (Socialworktech, 2012).

Action – the patient is actively modifying their behavior (Socialworktech, 2012). They have set short term and long term goals and developed an action plan to prevent relapse.

Maintenance – The patient’s new behaviors replace old and the yare able to sustain their changed behavior (Socialworktech, 2012). This stage can last for years.

Relapse – Occurs when the patient falls back into their old pattern of behaviors (Socialworktech, 2012). However, it is hoped that they developed resiliency, a strong support system, and other coping mechanisms that will help them avoid or recover from relapse more quickly (Socialworktech, 2012).

Now that you have read the information, view the information in the link below then watch the video before testing your knowledge.

Stages of change Cycle

References

Harrell, P. T., Trenz, R., Scherer, M., Martins, S., & Latimer, W. (2013). Regular article: A latent class approach to treatment readiness corresponds to a transtheoretical (“Stages of Change”) model. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 45249-256. doi:10.1016/j.jsat.2013.04.004

Pignataro, R. M., & Huddleston, J. (2015). The use of motivational interviewing in physical therapy education and practice: Empowering patients through effective self-management. Journal of Physical Therapy Education, 29(2), 62-71. Retrieved from: http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.vlib.excelsior.edu/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=975d2631-10f7-4c5e-9a41-8634ee2dcfb6%40sessionmgr113&vid=8&hid=126

Socialworktech. (2012, January 9). Theory: Stages of change (Prochaska& DiClemente). Retreived from: http://www.socialworktech.com/2012/01/09/stages-of-change-prochaska-diclemente/