Exploring Motivational Interviewing as a Technique for Physical Activity Promotion on an Acute Medical Unit Setting – A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Research Question: Could the self-perceived physical activity levels of acute in-patients be improved by offering motivational interviews prior to discharge from the Acute Medical Unit: A Qualitative Study. Aims: To explore how the patients on an acute medical unit perceive Motivational Interviewing (MI) as a method of encouraging physical activity (PA) for them, in relation to any change in their perceived involvement in PA after 6-8 weeks and to explore patients’ feedback of motivational interview and their preferences as to its technique and manner of delivery to them. Methods: Participants were recruited from an acute medical admissions unit. Eligibility criteria was patients’ ability to walk 10m on the flat ground, with or without an aid and identified as being close to discharge by ward staff. Participants answered the Global Physical activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), following which they were offered MI by their bed side. 6-8weeks later, participants answered the same questionnaire and participated in a semi-structured interview, which was verbatim transcribed and analysed using an inductive thematic analysis. Ethical approval was gained from the London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee and Local Human Research Authority (REC reference 18/LO/0496). Results: 7 out of 10 participants found MI, helpful at improving their participation in PA. Although certain barriers were identified that limited PA participation such as perceived fears, concerns and misconceptions of PA, where participants expressed preference for these barriers to be tackled individually in conjunction with motivational interview techniques. Conclusions: MI is a feasible method of encouraging PA, which could be impactful on the PA participation of the patients on an AMU. Future studies may consider combining approaches towards tackling perceived barriers in conjunction with MI when delivering this intervention to the patients in this setting.