1 What is MI and how does it work?

MI is a way of talking with people that helps them discover their own reasons and goals for change, rather than telling them what to do or why to do it. MI is based on four core principles: expressing empathy, developing discrepancy, rolling with resistance, and supporting self-efficacy. These principles guide the MI practitioner to listen attentively, reflect back what they hear, ask open-ended questions, affirm strengths, elicit change talk, and avoid arguments or confrontation. By doing so, the MI practitioner helps the client or patient to resolve their mixed feelings and move from ambivalence to action.

2 What are the benefits of MI for chronic conditions?

MI has been shown to be effective in improving outcomes for various chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, asthma, and chronic pain. MI can help people with chronic conditions to increase their adherence to treatment plans, self-management skills, quality of life, and satisfaction with care. MI can also reduce the risk of complications, hospitalizations, and mortality. MI can be applied in different settings and formats, such as face-to-face, phone, or online sessions, and as a standalone intervention or in combination with other modalities, such as education, coaching, or counseling.

3 How can you use MI to motivate behavior change?

If you want to use MI to motivate behavior change in your clients or patients with chronic conditions, here are some practical tips to follow. Begin by building rapport and trust with your client or patient. Show genuine interest and curiosity, use a warm and respectful tone, and acknowledge their feelings and experiences. Assess their readiness, willingness, and confidence to change by asking them about their current situation, their concerns, their goals, and their barriers. Use a scaling question to gauge their level of motivation. Explore their ambivalence and elicit change talk by helping them identify the pros and cons of changing and not changing, as well as the discrepancy between their current behavior and desired outcome. Listen for and reflect back any statements that indicate their desire, ability, reason, or need to change. Reinforce their motivation and commitment by affirming their strengths, values, and achievements, expressing confidence in their ability to change, asking what they are willing and able to do, what support they need, summarizing the change plan, and asking for feedback.

4 What are the challenges and pitfalls of MI?

MI is not a quick-fix to changing anyone's behavior. It is a skill that requires practice and patience, as well as the client or patient's readiness and willingness to change. Common challenges and pitfalls include being too directive or prescriptive, which can lead to resistance or defensiveness. Alternatively, being too passive or permissive can result in a lack of focus or direction. Additionally, being too optimistic or pessimistic can create unrealistic expectations or discourage the client from trying to change. To avoid these issues, ask the client what they think or feel and guide them to find their own solutions. Gently challenge them and help them clarify their goals and values. Be realistic and supportive, acknowledging their progress and challenges.

5 How can you improve your MI skills?

If you want to improve your MI skills and become more effective in motivating behavior change in your clients or patients with chronic conditions, here are some suggestions. To start, familiarize yourself with the theory and principles of MI by reading books, articles, or websites. Additionally, practice the skills and strategies of MI through role plays, simulations, or real-life scenarios. Get feedback from peers, supervisors, or mentors to help you gain a better understanding. Additionally, attend workshops, courses, or webinars that offer MI training and certification. Finally, seek supervision or coaching from experienced MI practitioners or trainers to ensure that you are using the right techniques.