Tuesday 3 November 2015

Patient and caregiver opinions of motivational interviewing techniques in role-played palliative care conversations: a pilot study

Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, Jul 2015, vol. 50, no. 1, p. 91-98 
Pollak, Kathryn I, Jones, Jacqueline, Lum, Hillary D, De La Cruz, Scott, Felton, Susanne, Gill, Arvin, Kutner, Jean S

The aim of this pilot study was to describe how patients and caregivers perceived MI techniques in palliative care role-play encounters. Qualitative analyses revealed that participants independently identified the following helpful communication elements that are consistent with core MI techniques: reflection and validation of values, support of autonomy and flexibility, and open questions acting as catalysts for discussion. Participants rated the MI-trained physician slightly higher on the perceived empathy scale. The authors conclude that the use of MI techniques shows promise for improving palliative care discussions.

Available in print in Arthur Rank House Library, Brookfields Hospital