Clinician Training in Motivational Communication Skills: The Impact of the Language of Change Program Among Rheumatologists from Across Canada

Background Motivational communication (MC) is an evidenced-based communication style designed to enhance patients9 intrinsic motivation to engage in a healthy lifestyle and adhere to treatment. Due to its efficacy and popularity, the demand for physician training has risen markedly over the past decade. Despite the widespread dissemination of these programs, there is little empirical data on the extent to which they impact physician knowledge and attitudes. Objectives This study assessed the impact of a 1.5 hour introduction to MC workshop (phase I of Language of Change) on MC attitudes among rheumatologists. Methods This was a single group pre-post intervention trial. The MC training program, called The Language of Change , was developed by rheumatology and behavior change experts. The program being assessed consisted of 1 live workshop (a 1.5 hour introductory session) delivered by an MC expert alongside a dermatologist/nurse, to 53 rheumatologists from across Canada. Participants completed a battery of validated questionnaires measuring MC motivation, self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, and short term (30 day) intention to change, at baseline and after the session. T-tests were conducted to assess the effects of the introductory workshop on each questionnaire. Results Analyses revealed significant post introductory workshop effects on motivation to use MC (+.87, p Conclusions This study indicates that a 1.5 hour introductory workshop on MC significantly increased motivation to use MC and MC self-efficacy, and had a uniformly positive impact on outcome expectancies and intention to use MC in practice. Results suggest that even low doses of MC training may impact healthcare professional attitudes and intention to change. Disclosure of Interest K. Lavoie: None declared, M. Bell: None declared, T. Taylor: None declared, R. Arendse: None declared, M. Saum Employee of: Janssen Canada Inc., D. Faucher: None declared, M. Shawi: None declared, M. Camerlain: None declared