Doctor Uses Motivational Interviewing to Discuss Alcohol Use

Summary

In this script, a doctor employs motivational interviewing to discuss a young woman's alcohol consumption, highlighting the risks of alcohol exposure during pregnancy. The conversation explores the patient's typical drinking habits and her openness to considering low-risk drinking guidelines. The doctor identifies the patient's current alcohol use as excessive and gently encourages her to reflect on the benefits of reducing consumption, leading to a willingness to revisit the topic and possibly set up a follow-up appointment.

Takeaways

• 🚑 The doctor uses a motivational interviewing approach to discuss the young woman's alcohol use, which is a sensitive topic.
• 📈 There is evidence that discussing alcohol use with patients can lead to them considering and potentially changing their drinking habits.
• 🤰 The conversation is particularly important for young women to reduce the risk of an alcohol-exposed pregnancy.
• 🍺 The young woman admits to heavy drinking during a pub crawl, which resulted in her spraining her ankle.
• 👠 She mentions wearing stilettos and jumping off a bus, which contributed to her injury.
• 🎉 The script highlights that heavy drinking is considered normal among university students, which might normalize risky behavior.
• 🍻 The young woman describes her typical alcohol consumption, which includes seven or eight drinks when going out and a few beers after a long day.
• 🤔 She expresses uncertainty about whether her drinking habits are a concern, indicating a lack of awareness about the risks.
• 📉 The doctor introduces the concept of low-risk drinking guidelines and safe limits, which the young woman is willing to consider.
• 🔄 The young woman acknowledges that she might be drinking above the recommended limits and shows some concern about her tolerance level.
• 💡 She recognizes the benefits of reducing alcohol consumption, such as feeling more productive without a hangover.
• 🗓️ The doctor suggests setting up an appointment to further explore reducing alcohol use, which the young woman agrees to, indicating a willingness to change.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the doctor's conversation with Anna in the video?

The main purpose of the conversation is to address Anna's alcohol use in a non-judgmental way, with a focus on the potential risks associated with alcohol consumption, especially regarding the possibility of an alcohol-exposed pregnancy.

What is motivational interviewing, and how is it used in this context?

Motivational interviewing is a counseling method that helps people resolve their uncertainties to find the internal motivation they need to change their behavior. In this context, the doctor uses this approach to discuss Anna's alcohol use and encourage her to consider reducing her consumption.

Why is it important to discuss alcohol use with young women, especially regarding pregnancy?

It is important because research shows that women who drink at risky levels before pregnancy are more likely to continue during pregnancy, which can lead to alcohol-exposed pregnancies and associated health risks for the baby.

What was the situation that led to Anna's sprained ankle?

Anna sprained her ankle after a night of pub crawling, where she had several drinks and, wearing stilettos, jumped off the stairs of a bus to catch up with her friends.

How does Anna describe her typical alcohol consumption during weekends?

Anna describes it as quite high, stating she can drink around seven or eight drinks when she goes out hard, which is typical for her during weekends.

What is Anna's initial reaction to the doctor's suggestion to explore her alcohol use?

Anna is initially open to the idea, agreeing to discuss her alcohol use as long as they don't focus too much on a specific type of drink, indicating she is still feeling the effects of the previous night.

What does the doctor suggest as the safe limit for alcohol consumption for women?

The doctor suggests that the safe limit for women is 10 drinks per week, which averages to about two drinks per day.

How does Anna feel about the suggested safe drinking limits?

Anna is surprised by the low number, stating that it seems like not a lot for her and that her tolerance has built up over the years, indicating she usually drinks more than the recommended amount.

What are some of the concerns Anna has about her alcohol use?

Anna expresses concerns about feeling unwell after heavy drinking and acknowledges that she feels more productive without a hangover, indicating she recognizes some negative impacts of her alcohol consumption.

What is Anna's willingness to discuss her alcohol use further with the doctor?

Anna is willing to explore her alcohol use further with the doctor, agreeing to come back for an appointment when she is feeling better and not hungover.

What is the potential benefit of reducing alcohol consumption that Anna acknowledges?

Anna acknowledges that she feels more productive when she doesn't have a hangover, indicating that reducing her alcohol consumption could have positive effects on her daily functioning and well-being.