The Effect of Motivational Interviewing on Prescription Opioid Adherence Among Older Adults With Chronic Pain

PurposeTo test the effect of office-based motivational interviewing (MI) on prescription opioid adherence in older adults with chronic pain. Design and MethodsPre- and post-design was used. Thirty chronic pain patients participated in a 4-week MI in two outpatient settings. FindingsParticipants demonstrated a significantly reduced risk of prescription opioid misuse, decreased substance use, increased self-efficacy, increased motivation to change, and decreased depression at both the post-test and 1-month follow-up. Practice ImplicationMI can be effectively delivered in outpatient settings for older adults who are at risk for opioid misuse. Clinicians could incorporate MI techniques to enhance prescription opioid adherence.