Motivational interviewing is an important skill that can be used when supporting patients to prepare and make a change, in this case to their lifestyle.  Lifescripts uses the 'five As' approach: Ask, Assess, Advise, Assist, Arrange; to guide GPs and other Practice staff through the process of providing a lifestyle prescription to a patient.  Motivational interviewing will assist the GP, Practice Nurse or health worker to conduct an assessment of a patients' motivation and confidence to implement a change in their lifestyle, and then work with the patient to undertake an agreed change.

 

A CD-rom is available as part of the Lifescripts resources (in the Divisions Kit and the Practice Kit) to guide Practitioners and Practice staff through the use of motivational interviewing in a consultation.  The CD-rom provides a number of video presentations demonstrating short and longer interventions with patients, references to further resources available on motivational interviewing and weblinks for each of the lifestyle risk factors.  A copy of all of the Lifescripts resources are available on the CD-rom (in pdf files). 

 

The CD-Rom is available now by fax-back order form. 

 

Further information and resources on Motivational Interviewing is available on the Department of Health and Ageing's website.