Motivational Interviewing In Nursing

Introduction

Motivational interviewing (MI) is best described as a holistic patient-centred counselling style for evoking behaviour change by assisting patients to explore and resolve ambivalence (Rollnick et al., 2008). In comparison to other methods of counselling, MI is a more focused, goal-directed and facilitative approach to communication that aids in evoking change (Miller and Rollnick, 2013). Rollnick et al. (2008) state that the fundamental purpose of MI is to exam and ultimately resolve ambivalence. It is a non-judgemental, non-confrontational and non-antagonistic means of examining the behaviour in question (Miller and Rollnick, 2002). I believe that the nurse must work on the basis of guiding rather than directing when pursuing

The contribution of motivational interviewing to nursing practice will also be discussed.

Resist the Righting Reflex

I believe that in many cases, health care workers possess a powerful desire to ‘fix’ people. This particular tactic can have a paradoxical effect and can prove to be problematic as it generally increases patient resistance and decreases the possibility of change (Rollnick et al., 2008). The manner in which I engaged with the patient in the clinical skills lab significantly influenced their personal motivation for change. In this case, the patient developed an alcohol dependency following the death of her child. It was clear that the patient felt that drinking was the only viable outlet for her in dealing with the bereavement. It was important for me to assist the patient in recognising the full extent of the issue and the adverse consequences it had caused (Miller and Rollnick, 1991). This was a crucial step as it is vital for the patient to verbally acknowledge the implications of this lifestyle (Scales et al.,

These principles act as a set of rules and skills that assist in utilising therapeutic communication to ultimately promote behaviour change (Dart, 2011). MI focuses on building rapport in the initial stages of the nurse-patient relationship in order to provoke change (Rollnick et al., 2008). As a result, MI has the potential to significantly improve and achieve patient goals and objectives by identifying, analysing and resolving patient ambivalence in order to promote behavioural and lifestyle changes (Miller and Rollnick, 2013). This strategy seeks to assist patients in thinking differently about what might be achieved through change. MI also has the potential to act as a clinical tool in advising, educating and guiding patients in their quest for change (Rosengren,