All communication styles have their appropriate place and use, and successful communication involves mixing and matching to each individuals consultation.
Within Health Behaviour Change (HBC), there are a number of communication techniques that can enhance patient engagement including Motivational Interviewing.
- At one end, Directing telling, showing, prescribing: you are the expert. Often in medical healthcare things are set up to support this style and patients can expect it.
- At the other, Following listening quietly and allowing the patient to take the lead, with very little input or direction
- Guiding a compromise involving an active role for both you and the patient. The patient decides where to go but you guide, support and encourage them.
Pulse point
Further information can be obtained Motivational Interviewing
Reference: Rollnick, S., Miller., W.R. & Butler C.C. (2008) Motivational Interviewing in Health Care: Helping Patients Change Behavior (Applications of Motivational Interviewing) New York, The Guildford Press.
Consider this continuum based on what kind of role you have?
Page last reviewed: 18 May 2020
