Provider training
KP’s Northern California Region Regional Health Education Department is training all pediatricians in brief negotiation, a type of motivational interviewing. It provides an effective, structured approach to counseling patients about behavior change during brief clinical encounters. Brief negotiation is just as effective in adult settings.
Step 1. Set the Stage
Sample statements include:
Can we take a few minutes to discuss your weight and health?
What do you think about your weight?
Step 2. Share clinical results.
Show BMI plotted on a BMI chart.
Briefly discuss the health risks of overweight and obesity.
Step 3. Assess readiness to change.
Sample questions include:
How ready are you to get more physically active/eat a healthier diet?
What might help you become more ready?
What might your next steps be?
What’s your plan for taking those steps?
The Get in Balance and Get More Energy posters include a readiness ruler to help clinicians assess readiness to change.
Step 4. Close conversation and make any necessary referrals
See BMI as Vital Sign
