The Effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing Techniques Used by Nurses to Improve ADL Performance in Rehabilitation Settings: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Objective: This qualitative study aimed to explore the perspectives of nurses and patients on the effectiveness of motivational interviewing (MI) techniques in improving activities of daily living (ADL) performance in rehabilitation settings.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 nurses and 15 patients from two rehabilitation centers. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants with experience in using or receiving MI interventions. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: Three main themes emerged from the data: (1) building a therapeutic alliance, (2) fostering patient autonomy, and (3) overcoming barriers to change. Nurses highlighted the importance of establishing trust, empathy, and collaboration with patients to facilitate behavior change. Patients reported that MI techniques such as reflective listening, affirmations, and goal-setting helped them to develop intrinsic motivation, set realistic goals, and take ownership of their rehabilitation process. However, both nurses and patients identified barriers to implementing MI, including time constraints, lack of training, and resistance to change.
Conclusion: This study provides insights into the experiences and perceptions of nurses and patients regarding the use of MI techniques in rehabilitation settings. The findings suggest that MI can be an effective approach to enhance patient motivation, engagement, and ADL performance. However, addressing the challenges in implementing MI requires organizational support, training, and resources. Future research using mixed methods designs is needed to further evaluate the impact of MI on rehabilitation outcomes and explore strategies to optimize its implementation.