MI is sometimes described as a communication technique or a set of phrases.
In the RETURN intervention, it is more helpful to think of MI as a mindset.
MI is about how you work with patients, not just what you say.
It focuses on supporting patients to explore their own reasons for change, rather than being told what to do.
MI is built around four key principles:
Partnership
Working alongside the patient, rather than directing or instructing them.
Acceptance
Respecting the patient’s experiences, choices, and perspective, even when change feels difficult.
Compassion
Showing genuine care and concern for the patient’s wellbeing.
Eliciting what matters to the patient
Supporting patients to talk about what is important to them, rather than imposing what matters to us.
These principles underpin every interaction within RETURN.