Motivational Interviewing for health care professionals

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a communication technique that healthcare professionals can use to help patients identify and overcome ambivalence towards behaviour change. This course aims to introduce healthcare professionals to the core principles, techniques, and applications of MI in a healthcare setting.

The course will begin with an introduction to MI, its theoretical foundations, and its application in healthcare. You will learn about the stages of change and how MI can be used to guide patients through the process of behaviour change.

The course will then delve into the core principles of MI, including expressing empathy, developing discrepancy, rolling with resistance, and supporting self-efficacy. You will learn how to use reflective listening and open-ended questions to engage patients in a collaborative conversation that supports behaviour change.

You will also learn how to tailor MI techniques to different healthcare contexts, such as chronic disease management, smoking cessation, weight loss, and medication adherence. Through case studies and assignments you will have the opportunity to practice MI techniques in a safe and supportive environment.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Define motivational interviewing and its application in healthcare

• Explain the stages of change and how MI can be used to guide patients through behavior change

• Apply the core principles of MI, including expressing empathy, developing discrepancy, rolling with resistance, and supporting self-efficacy

• Use reflective listening and open-ended questions to engage patients in a collaborative conversation that supports behavior change

• Tailor MI techniques to different healthcare contexts, such as chronic disease management, smoking cessation, weight loss, and medication adherence.

This course is designed for healthcare professionals who work with patients on behavior change, such as physicians, nurses, health coaches, dietitians, and pharmacists. No prior experience with MI is required.