[Brief motivational interventions in primary care]

Primary care physicians see a majority of the population at least once a year and are in an ideal position to promote health and to discuss health behaviour change. Two proven methods to help people change are: brief intervention and motivational interviewing. We propose a combination of these two methods. The interview is structured following the 5 A's with an added first step: 1) agenda; 2) assess ambivalence; 3) advise; 4) agree; 5) assist and 6) arrange and is motivational in that it uses collaboration, non-judgement, and respect of the patient's autonomy. The aim is to help the patient explore and resolve his ambivalence and progress towards change.