In patients still not willing to quit or decrease tobacco use, the objective is to tilt the balance towards quitting. This can be achieved by discussing the advantages/ disadvantages of using versus stopping tobacco use. Developing discrepancy, eliciting motivational statements i.e. why should you quit?. Expressing empathy, avoiding argumentation and supporting self-efficacy are important strategies. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative conversation style for strengthening a person’s own motivation and commitment to change.” On simple terms MI is –
A way of being with patients and having a conversation about change, which is nonjudgmental and based on compassion, respect, and empathy.
A set of learnable communication skills.
Aimed at helping patients change specific behaviors.
Patient-centred and respectful while still being directive and goal oriented toward change.
Brief and, although it may be delivered in 1–4 sessions as a stand-alone intervention, it is mostly a way of relating to people that can be used in almost all patient interactions.