What Techniques Do You Use to Motivate Resistant Patients?

What Techniques Do You Use to Motivate Resistant Patients?

To uncover effective strategies for motivating patients resistant to therapy, we’ve gathered insights from occupational therapy professionals. While they emphasized empathy and relationship-building, we’ve also compiled additional answers to provide a well-rounded perspective. From adapting techniques to utilizing engaging technology, here are several approaches that have proven successful.

• Empathize and Adapt Techniques
• Build Relationships Through Connection
• Use Motivational Interviewing
• Incorporate Patient-Preferred Activities
• Set Small, Achievable Goals
• Provide Positive Reinforcement
• Utilize Engaging Technology

Empathize and Adapt Techniques

Many of my patients have lost their vision, resulting in them having lost their sense of who they are, and have gone from being independent in most, if not all, aspects of their life to being dependent on others for a lot of it.

One of the things I try to do is to empathize with them as much as possible and tell them what I understand their vision to be like now. I tell them, and their family, that people do what their vision allows them to do.

First, I ask what they can do now since their vision loss, and then I ask them what they think they can’t but want to do. I burst a lot of bubbles, letting them know that their vision has changed to the point of needing a different adaptive device/technique(s) to do near, intermediate, and distance tasks.

Then I tell people that if they really want to do something, I will stand on my head and dance a jig to figure out a way to help them do it. I stress that it means they may have to trash 3, 4, 5, 6, or even 7 decades of having honed a skill to learn how to do it in a different way.

Then I demonstrate how to do a specific task they have cited, while blindfolded. I give them time to think about working with me, usually a couple of days to a week, and I give them my number so they can call to ask questions that weren’t at the forefront of their mind during the visit.

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Build Relationships Through Connection

I focus on connection and building relationships with resistant patients. Getting to know them better and their interests can help me find ways to incorporate their interests into therapeutic activities or find opportunities to make the activities they already enjoy more therapeutic. I also recognize that their resistance is likely an indication that they are under stress, so I like to work on adapting the environment, activity, and my therapeutic use of self to create a low-stress therapeutic experience.

Use Motivational Interviewing

Occupational therapists often use motivational interviewing to help patients uncover their own reasons for engaging in therapy. This technique involves open-ended questions and active listening, which helps patients feel heard and understood. By exploring their own thoughts and feelings, patients may identify their personal goals.

This process can lead to greater buy-in and commitment to the therapy process. It's essential to start with a conversation; let's ask patients how they envision their success.

Incorporate Patient-Preferred Activities

To motivate resistant patients, occupational therapists might integrate patient-preferred activities into therapy sessions. When therapy includes hobbies or interests that the patient enjoys, it can transform a challenging task into an enjoyable one. This approach not only makes therapy fun but also helps build a sense of competence and fulfillment.

Engaging in favorite activities can reduce resistance and increase participation. Encourage patients to share their favorite pastimes to create a more enjoyable therapy plan.

Set Small, Achievable Goals

Setting small, achievable goals is another technique used by occupational therapists to motivate patients who might be resistant. Small goals can provide quick wins, which build confidence and a sense of progress. These smaller milestones make the overall treatment plan less daunting and more manageable.

Each achieved goal boosts motivation for the next step in therapy. Beginning with easily reachable targets can make all the difference, so try to set simple goals to celebrate each victory.

Provide Positive Reinforcement

Providing consistent positive reinforcement and feedback is vital in motivating patients during therapy. Praising patients for their efforts, even small ones, can reinforce the desired behavior and encourage them to keep going.

Feedback should focus on what the patient did well and how they can improve slightly, fostering a growth mindset. Positive reinforcement also helps in building a supportive therapist-patient relationship.

Utilize Engaging Technology

Utilizing technology and apps can make therapy sessions more engaging for patients who are resistant. Interactive apps and tools offer a fun way to perform therapeutic exercises, often turning them into a game-like experience. These tools can track progress and provide immediate feedback, which keeps patients motivated and involved.

Technology can bridge the gap between reluctance and participation by making tasks more exciting. Explore available technology options to enhance the therapy experience.