A MIXED METHODS STUDY OF THE MOTIVATIONAL INFLUENCES UPON DIETITIAN CHANGE OF COUNSELING PRACTICE

This thesis / dissertation was completed and submitted at Nipissing University, and is made freely accessible through the University of Toronto’s TSpace repositoryPatients' motivation to sustain healthy habits is a key determinant of patient health management in chronic disease. Their motivation is expected, yet health-care providers may not have the tools or skills to inspire behavioural change. As key health-care providers, dietitians are pivotal in motivating patients to apply nutrition in their self-care yet are not consistently trained in counselling or coaching to assist patients. In particular, Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based practice, and in this study is newly learned by dietitians who participated in an online course and then applied their skills in practice. Self Determination Theory underpins the study?s focus on dietitians? perceptions of their own personal motivation and barriers to apply MI to practice. This explanatory mixed methods study showed that phronesis? dietitians? professional insight into practice?overcame barriers to MI application in the workplace.Ph.D