Background:
One of the major challenges that bariatric surgery clinics face is assisting patients to change lifestyle behaviours that inhibit the long-term effectiveness of bariatric surgery.
Objectives:
To explore the potential role of Motivational Interviewing in facilitating behavioural change in the bariatric surgery setting.
Discussion:
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a counselling style initially used to treat addictions and recent meta-analyses show that it is effective in creating lifestyle behavioural change. MI has been defined as a person-centred method of guiding to elicit and strengthen personal motivation for change. MI encourages patients to work through their ambivalence about behaviour change and to explore discrepancy between their current behaviour and broader life goals and values. Case studies taken from a 2-year lifestyle support program highlight how MI can be used effectively in the bariatric surgery setting to create positive healthy behavioural changes.
Conclusion:
MI is a tool that could significantly benefit clinics in their interactions with patients to help optimise patient outcomes.