Researchers have long demonstrated that medical care providers can play a positive role in getting patients to initiate or maintain health behavior changes such as quitting smoking, losing weight, getting regular exercise or reducing the use of alcohol. The key to such approaches, however, is how the conversation between the provider and the patient is conducted. With its roots in motivation interviewing, the Brief Negotiated Interview  (BNI) guides a conversation to overcome people's resistance to change. The training to teach these techniques was attended by a cross-section of providers from local clinics, faith-based organizations, hospitals and community agencies, including a practice session, was held on October 13, 2010 at the Wamsutta Club in New Bedford. Click here to see photos of a training held at Bristol Community College in 2008. For more information about the conference, contact Healthy City Fall River coordinator David Weed, Psy.D. at 508-324-2411 or Carl Alves in New Bedford  at 508. 979.1580. (Bottom row photos courtesy Jenna Lagasse)
 

(Top row, left and right) Edward Bernstein, M.D., instructs the audience in the BNI strategy for getting patients to initiate or maintain health behavior changes such as quitting smoking, losing weight, getting regular exercise or reducing the use of alcohol. (Top row, center) Dr. Bernstein suggests that substance addiction can be perceived as a chronic illness like hypertension, diabetes, and asthma. (Middle row, left) Participants listen to Dr. Bernstein's presentation. (Bottom row, left)  Diane Bolton, a faith leader from St. Anthony's Church, and others get ready to practice the Brief Negotiated Interview technique with workshop participants at the Wamsutta Club.