Talk to the Veterans Crisis Line now
U.S. flag
An official website of the United States government

VA Health Systems Research

Go to the VA ORD website
Go to the QUERI website

HSR&D Citation Abstract

Search | Search by Center | Search by Source | Keywords in Title

Effects of counseling techniques on patients'' weight-related attitudes and behaviors in a primary care clinic.

Cox ME, Yancy WS, Coffman CJ, Ostbye T, Tulsky JA, Alexander SC, Brouwer RJ, Dolor RJ, Pollak KI. Effects of counseling techniques on patients' weight-related attitudes and behaviors in a primary care clinic. Patient education and counseling. 2011 Dec 1; 85(3):363-8.

Dimensions for VA is a web-based tool available to VA staff that enables detailed searches of published research and research projects.

If you have VA-Intranet access, click here for more information vaww.hsrd.research.va.gov/dimensions/

VA staff not currently on the VA network can access Dimensions by registering for an account using their VA email address.
   Search Dimensions for VA for this citation
* Don't have VA-internal network access or a VA email address? Try searching the free-to-the-public version of Dimensions



Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: Examine primary care physicians'' use of counseling techniques when treating overweight and obese patients and the association with mediators of behavior change as well as change in nutrition, exercise, and weight loss attempts. METHODS: We audio recorded office encounters between 40 physicians and 461 patients. Encounters were coded for physician use of selected counseling techniques using the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity (MITI) scale. Patient motivation and confidence as well as Fat and Fiber Diet score (1-4), Framingham physical activity questionnaire (MET-minutes), and weight loss attempts (yes/no) were assessed by surveys. Generalized linear models were fit, including physician, patient, and visit level covariates. RESULTS: Patients whose physicians were rated higher in empathy improved their Fat and Fiber intake 0.18 units (95% CI 0, 0.4). When physicians used "MI consistent" techniques, patients reported higher confidence to improve nutrition (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.2, 5.7). CONCLUSION: When physicians used counseling techniques consistent with MI principles, some of their patients'' weight-related attitudes and behaviors improved. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Physicians may not be able to employ formal MI during a clinic visit. However, use of counseling techniques consistent with MI principles, such as expression of empathy, may improve patients'' weight-related attitudes and behaviors.





Questions about the HSR website? Email the Web Team

Any health information on this website is strictly for informational purposes and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any condition.