Clinical Focus
Magellan Staff Empower Members through Motivational Interviewing
During the past two years, Magellan’s clinical employees have been using a communication methodology called motivational interviewing in interactions with members.
“We’ve had much success with the training and implementing of motivational interviewing techniques by employees, which has helped improve communications with members,” according to Fred Waxenberg, Ph.D. chief clinical officer – non-medical. “Several of our Care Management Centers have seen upward trends in 30-day ambulatory follow-up rates, and our health coaching program, in which motivational interviewing is a primary component, also has demonstrated success,” he said.
Waxenberg, a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers, conducts an extensive two-day, face-to-face training with Magellan clinical staff in which he covers the basic core skill competencies of motivational interviewing.
Motivational interviewing is a client-centered communication approach with documented effectiveness in helping people move toward healthier lifestyle choices by addressing ambivalence and motivation. It requires specialized training to be effective in its application.
“The primary benefit of motivational interviewing is that it significantly improves the quality of our communication with members. It’s a tool to help members enhance their motivation for change, thereby assisting with improving members’ overall quality of life,” says Waxenberg.
Learn more about motivational interviewing by visiting www.motivationalinterviewing.org. You also may obtain additional educational information through our continuing education vendor, Essential Learning. Sign in to www.MagellanHealth.com/provider using your secure username and password, then from the “Education” drop-down menu, choose “CEUs & CMEs.”