Telemedicine and preventative health

Dr John McMenamin on strategies to enquire, engage and motivate your patient towards better health outcomes.

Topics

Why do we need to screen for risk behaviours?
Tips for breaking the ice
How much time to assess, motivate and intervene?
When behavioural change is blocked
Motivational interviewing
Techniques to increase effectiveness
Streamline smoking cessation discussions
Thinking health equity for a moment
How often should we check back in?

Take home messages

Telemedicine consultations include opportunities to screen for unpresented health concerns
Decide in advance what screening is appropriate
Raise the issue gently using prepared open questions
Reflecting, affirming and summarising keeps screening conversations focused and brief
List actions that require follow up

Resources

Motivational interviewing Health Navigator
Takitaki mae - A guide to Motivational Interviewing for Māori
Telehealth statement Medical Council of New Zealand
Quit smoking treatments Health Navigator

Presenter

Dr John McMenamin

General Practitioner

John is a GP in Whanganui and chair of Clinical Governance for Whanganui Regional Health Network. A graduate of Auckland School of Medicine with Distinguished Fellowship of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, John also holds a postgraduate Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Auckland researching screening in general practice.
One of the key roles John plays in the area of tobacco control is enabling people to draw on his experience and understanding of general practice and his national leadership around ABC Smoking as well as his advisory role to the National Screening Unit.