“What is Motivational Interviewing and how can it promote lasting change in healthcare? A case study from a social nurse and MGV advocate at GGD Heart for Brabant, emphasizing the power of autonomy and self-direction in client decision-making.”

2023-05-04 15:58:30

What is motivational interviewing?

MGV demands a lot from you as a healthcare professional: an open and judgment-free attitude, acceptance of values ​​that are important to the client. Nevertheless, it is very important to apply this conversational style. It increases the chance of lasting change in clients. This sustainability is a result of promoting the autonomy and self-direction of the client. Inge van Zundertsocial nurse and MGV advocate, and since 2016 working for the sexual health team at GGD Heart for Brabantemphasizes this with an example: “Not so long ago I saw a girl at my office. She had already visited us several times before for STI tests and questions about contraception. She has been unintentionally pregnant in the past and has now stopped taking the pill again. This time because all her friends stop taking the pill and say hormones are bad for you. However, she really didn’t want to get pregnant again. She had experienced the abortion as very intense and the continuous use of condoms was not enough for her.

Together we went looking for her doubts about the subject. In addition, she also investigated what knowledge she already had and what her wishes are with regard to contraception. During the conversation it emerged that peer pressure, finances and her faith influence her behavior. Together we looked at what her wish for children looks like and what this means for her actions at the moment. I have had a total of 3 conversations with this client. However, she remained undecided and ambivalent about contraceptive use.

Later she came to my colleague for treatment for STDs and she proudly told me that she had an Implanon placed by the GP after all. And that she is now much happier because the fear of a possible pregnancy is over. She said that the conversations about this have helped her enormously. Especially the fact that she herself was in charge. She didn’t have to do anything and she wasn’t judged for making certain choices that didn’t help her so much.”