Using Motivational Interviewing to Improve Communications with Patients, Colleagues, and Others

Abstract

Historically, "Motivational Interviewing (MI) has been proven to increase the motivation of individuals who need to change substance abuse and other health behaviors" (Moyers). However, MI has expanded into a variety of fields, including mental health, health care, higher education, and the judicial system. The techniques utilized in MI can assist with communication with people of all levels. This session describes Motivational Interviewing, a best practice implemented by the Lead Advisors and Learning Strategist at the Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM). As a school comprised of professional students, some of whom are considered nontraditional students, we have found Motivational Interviewing to be a best practice to empower students to be in control of their experience. The office has adopted Motivational Interviewing as a means for assisting students with contemplating the pros and cons of potential actions and behaviors. As Student Affairs professionals tasked to help promote academic and personal wellness in our conversations with students, we found Motivational Interviewing allows students to make proactive choices to "own" their experience. It also models positive self-care and self-monitoring behaviors critical to their training as physicians. Additionally, we practice MI with each other when contemplating decisions and have found that positive inquiry improves collaboration, creativity and communication and decreases conflict.