Motivational Interviewing for Healthcare Leaders

Thursday, Sept. 5, 12 p.m. Eastern time | Register now

Presenter: Mark Graban 

The motivational interviewing method of engaging patients was developed by clinical psychologist William Miller in 1983 to address substance abuse disorders. Over the years, however, research has shown that the technique is effective at reducing many potentially risky behaviors (e.g., gambling and excessive drinking) and promoting healthy behaviors (e.g., improving diet, exercising more, and adhering to a medication regimen).

The heart of motivational interviewing is the ability to sustain empathy with patients during conversations, rather than being directive. With motivational interviewing care managers can also identify the type of talk that well best serve patients and encourage them to follow their care plans.

What’s known as change talk includes three levels:

• The desire to change (“I want to take my medication as prescribed”).

• The ability to change (“I can ask a family member to go to the pharmacy for me”).

• The need to change (“If I don’t take my medication, I may be readmitted to the hospital”).

Mark Graban is an internationally recognized consultant, published author, professional speaker, and blogger. He builds upon a deep education in engineering and management with practical experience working with executives and front-line employees in multiple industries to synthesize and practice methods including Lean management, continuous improvement, statistical methods, and people-centered leadership approaches.

Mark’s motivation is to humbly help others learn how to improve and sustain performance. In his healthcare work, this means improving the quality of care and patient safety, while also reducing cost and improving the workplace experience. Across multiple sectors, goals also include improving the customer (or patient) experience, to help the development of leaders and employees, and to build stronger, more adaptive organizations for the long term.

He has learned, practiced, and taught these methodologies in settings including manufacturing, healthcare, and technology startups. Working independently since 2010, and in partnership with other consulting groups, Mark enjoys working with organizations that are looking for better ways to improve, with leaders who are willing to lead that charge.