The Spirit and Intent of Motivational Interviewing.

Abstract

To describe an educational program to improve inpatient psychiatric nursing staff communication skills to better provide patient-centered care throughout patient hospitalization. Delivered and evaluated an educational program to increase inpatient staff knowledge and use of communication skills during patient encounters. Emphasizing the spirit and intent of motivational interviewing in a training program results in a translation of the newly obtained knowledge into nursing practice, as evidenced by observed use of motivational interviewing skills during which patient encounters to strengthen the therapeutic alliance. Advanced Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners can provide an important role of coaching/mentorship for inpatient psychiatric nursing staff to further develop communication skills that are meaningful, patient-centered, and may lead to improved treatment adherence.