NSR III - BIPS

Motivational Training
Relevant information was requested from these SCOs at national level in
relation to the training they provide, its content, target groups and what
perceptual and attitudinal barriers they encounter in their work.
All smoking cessation officers use motivational interviewing (MI) and the cycle
of change methodologies when delivery training either in either a group
setting or on an individual basis. This type of training makes careful use of
simple and appropriate language to provide people with an understanding of
the complexities of smoking. MI is based on the following principles:
� Expressing empathy: skilful reflective listening
� Developing discrepancy: client presents arguments for change
� Rolling with resistance: avoids arguing
� Supporting self efficacy: client responsible for choosing/carrying out
change 4
The above approach is client centred yet is also a directive method to
enhance intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving
ambivalence. The method, developed by William Miller and Stephan Rollnick,
has been widely examined has proven outcomes as a method of substance
abuse treatment.
In the Health service Executive West region, some 278 professional staff has
been trained. The target groups in the west region were nursing staff, social
workers, occupational therapy health assistants, homecare personnel,
physiotherapy and youth workers. In addition some 28 staff midwives also
participated in the regional training programmes.
The training was conducted over two days. It was facilitated by two health
promotion officers operating with the Health Executive Service. At all times
this motivational training is open to internal staff and personnel working in
the voluntary sector.
Aids to promote motivational training.
DVD’s
It is evident from the work of this project that there are problems in gaining
access to health Service Executive staff for the purpose of delivering
motivational training in smoking cessation methods. In fact the level of access
4 Reproduced from the Smoking, Pregnancy and the Newborn training manual currently in
use in the Rotunda study
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