Investigating assumptions in motivational interviewing among general practitioners: a qualitative study

Area of Science:

• General Practice
• Health Behavior Change
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Unhealthy behaviors significantly increase risks for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, stroke, and cancer.
• General Practitioners (GPs) are crucial in guiding patients toward behavior change.
• Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a promising technique for enhancing patient motivation, but its use by French GPs is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore French GPs' understanding of Motivational Interviewing (MI).
• To identify the perceived benefits of MI in general practice.
• To determine the obstacles to implementing MI in western Brittany.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing semi-structured interviews with GPs.
• Thematic analysis was used to analyze interview data.
• Interviews explored GPs' knowledge, perceived benefits, and barriers related to MI.

Main Results:

• GPs demonstrated a limited understanding of MI, often conflating it with persuasion.
• MI was recognized as a patient-centered tool beneficial for cancer screening, chronic disease management, and vaccination.
• Key barriers included time constraints, lack of training, and systemic issues, though MI was seen to improve doctor-patient relationships.

Conclusions:

• French GPs have a limited grasp of MI but acknowledge its value for patient-centered care and behavior change.
• Potential applications include cancer screening, chronic disease management, and addressing vaccine hesitancy.
• Overcoming barriers through integrated training and addressing logistical issues is essential for routine MI implementation and improved patient outcomes.