Review

Motivational interviewing and its application in the management of coronary heart disease

Abstract

Objective This review paper explores the concept, spirit, principles, and core skills of motivational interviewing (MI) as a psychological approach applied to CHD patients.

Methods Literature reviews based on English and Chinese articles.

Results The English and Chinese literature provided strong evidence for the effectiveness of MI in terms of behavior changes, blood pressure control, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia control, compliance improvement, and improving quality of life amongst chronic heart failure patients. The Happy Life Club (HLC) is the only randomized controlled trial (RCT) that examined the effects of MI on behavior changes and self-management improvements in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The HLC pilot revealed positive outcomes, and RCTs will provide further evidence.

Conclusion MI has been expanded in its application to a wider range of lifestyle-related chronic diseases, including CHD. At the time of this review, MI represents a new concept and approach in China for improving physical and mental health (body and mind) in patients with CHD. In order to integrate MI into medical practice, the authors suggest improving the medical education curriculum and strengthening vocational training, while conducting further research initiatives to assess the innovation and inform practice management.