Motivational interviewing for prevention in Swiss family medicine: Opportunities and challenges

Health promotion and primary prevention are a priority in a healthcare system characterised by a prevalence of chronic conditions. In this context, motivational interviewing (MI) as provided by family doctors (FDs) seems promising: influential health professionals motivate patients to adopt healthy lifestyles in a patient-centred style that promotes a balanced, horizontal doctor-patient relationship. Based on these assumptions, a pilot project called Girasole was implemented in Switzerland between 2016 and 2018 to train and support 19 FDs in implementing MI in their practices. This paper presents the analysis of implementation of the intervention with the aim of exploring the doctors’ experiences with MI through a qualitative research design. Data derive from focus groups and interviews with the participants, and from the observation of collective training sessions and follow-up meetings. A thematic analysis was conducted using the software Atlas.ti. Results show that there is great diversity in how FDs implement MI. FDs can be classified in four groups – convinced, interested, critical, and resistant – based on their adherence to the principles underlying the MI approach. This taxonomy highlights opportunities and challenges for family medicine: MI offers flexible tools and new ways of interacting with patients to meet the challenges of non-communicable and chronic diseases; at the same time, the issues associated with the medicalisation of human everyday problems, physicians’ status loss, and low cost-effectiveness should not be underestimated. Any further attempt to promote MI among FDs should take into account their individual attitudes and should establish tailored approaches and training methods.