Using brief motivational interviewing to address the complex needs of a challenging patient with heart failure

Background: Hospitals and healthcare providers are looking for methods to reduce hospitalization rates and improve patient outcomes for patients with heart failure ( HF ). Using behavioral approaches to increase patients’ confidence in their abilities to perform self-care is 1 such approach. Motivational interviewing is an empirically validated modality that has shown promise in improving motivation to change and confidence in the ability to do so. Objective: This case represents a number of themes common in the management of care for a HF patient and explores a 4-session brief motivational interviewing approach to address these themes. The manner in which patient frustration is linked to hospitalization is discussed along with possible ways to address problems in self-care behaviors. Conclusions: With the use of this brief motivational interviewing approach, the patient reported an increase in her motivation and ability to change and developed a postdischarge plan for incorporating self-care behaviors in her daily routine. Clinical Implications: Motivational interviewing may be an effective method of increasing the self-care behaviors of patients with HF.