What is motivational interviewing in nursing practice?

Motivational interviewing is a patient-centered approach that encourages individuals to explore and articulate their motivations for change. This technique fosters a supportive environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their thoughts, feelings, and desires related to behavior modification, particularly in the context of health and wellness. By engaging patients in this way, nurses can help individuals identify their personal reasons for wanting to make changes, enhancing their intrinsic motivation and commitment to treatment or lifestyle changes.

This approach differs significantly from merely promoting compliance or providing information, as it prioritizes the patient's personal perspectives and motivations over the imposition of external expectations or directives. The focus is on collaboration and empowerment, allowing patients to take an active role in their care, which can lead to more sustainable behavior change.