Face Saving in Motivational Interviewing
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Face Saving in Motivational Interviewing |
Motivational interviewing (MI) is a powerful tool for healthcare providers, including medical professionals and pharmacists, to guide patients towards positive behavior changes.
A core concept of MI is the importance of preserving a patient's "face" throughout the conversation.
This article explores why saving face is crucial for successful behavior change and how MI techniques can be used to achieve this.
Why "Face" Matters in Healthcare Communication
The concept of "face" refers to the basic human need to feel respected and competent in social interactions.
- We strive to project an image of ourselves as capable and autonomous individuals. Erving Goffman, a sociologist, introduced the concept of "face work," the effort we put into maintaining a positive social image.
- In healthcare settings, patients are especially vulnerable to feeling judged or incompetent when discussing their health.
Unfortunately, traditional healthcare communication can often threaten a patient's face in several ways:
- Expert Presumptions: Healthcare providers may assume they know what's best for the patient without fully understanding their perspective. This can be perceived as dismissive of the patient's autonomy and decision-making abilities.
- Demeaning Language: Using judgmental or condescending language can make patients feel incapable or ashamed. For instance, saying "You shouldn't be eating so much fast food" can be perceived as an attack on the patient's intelligence.
- Lack of Collaboration: Directing patients what to do without involving them in the decision-making process undermines their sense of autonomy.
When a patient feels their face is threatened, they become defensive and less receptive to change. They may withdraw from the conversation, minimize the seriousness of their condition, or argue against the provider's recommendations.
How Motivational Interviewing Saves Face
MI techniques help create a safe and supportive environment where patients feel comfortable exploring their options and making their own decisions.
Here are some key MI strategies that preserve a patient's face:
- Open-Ended Questions: Asking open-ended questions like "Tell me more about how you manage your blood sugar levels" encourages patients to share their experiences and perspectives without feeling judged.
- Reflective Listening: Actively listening and reflecting back what the patient says demonstrates that their voice is heard and valued. This builds rapport and trust.
- Affirmations: Acknowledging the patient's efforts and strengths, even if they haven't achieved their goals yet, helps them feel supported and motivated to continue.
- Patient-Centered Approach: MI focuses on the patient's goals and motivations, not just the healthcare provider's agenda. This empowers patients to take ownership of their health journey.
By employing these techniques, healthcare providers can create a collaborative space where patients feel respected and competent.
This fosters a sense of self-efficacy, the belief in one's ability to make positive changes, which is crucial for long-term behavior change.
How Pharmacists Can Leverage Face-Saving Techniques
Pharmacists play a vital role in patient care and can significantly benefit from incorporating face-saving techniques into their practice. Here are some specific examples:
- When addressing medication adherence: Instead of saying, "Why are you missing your medication doses?", explore the reasons behind non-adherence with open-ended questions and offer solutions collaboratively.
- When discussing lifestyle changes: Instead of lecturing about healthy eating, ask patients about their current dietary habits and explore options for gradual improvements that fit their lifestyle.
By adopting a more collaborative and empathetic approach, pharmacists can empower patients to take charge of their health and improve medication adherence.
Conclusion
Motivational interviewing equips healthcare providers with the skills to build rapport, preserve patient autonomy, and ultimately guide them towards positive behavior changes.
By understanding the importance of "face" and incorporating face-saving techniques, medical professionals and pharmacists can create a more supportive and empowering environment for their patients.
Additional Resources:
- Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT): https://motivationalinterviewing.org/