Motivational interviewing

Abstract

• Patients make choices and decisions about their health everyday based on theories that are important determinants of motivation to engage in health-related behaviours and to adhere to doctors' advice • The growing burden of chronic disease means that patients' own resources for change need to be mobilised as part of their active involvement in their care • Supporting patients' behaviour change begins with effective patient-centred communication between them and their doctor • Motivational interviewing provides processes for engaging the patient in decisions about their health that can lead to behaviour change for improved health and better self-management.