The use of motivational interviewing during an interdisciplinary Service-Learning activity for older adults at risk for dementia

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to develop a service-learning program based on motivational interviewing for older adults living alone and at risk for dementia. This paper focused on description and implementation of the developed program and students’ preliminary outcomes as a mixed-methods pilot study. Participants were nine students in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and social work and three older adults matched to each of the three interdisciplinary student groups. Students’ attitudes about community service improved. Also, participation in the program was regarded as a new useful experience that helped in realizing the importance of interprofessional collaboration, expanding knowledge about other disciplines, contributing to the community and professional development, and understanding older adults living alone. Future study should include a larger sample size and measure the program’s effectiveness for both the students and older adults.

KEYWORDS:

• Dementia
• interdisciplinary studies
• motivational interviewing
• primary prevention
• service learning

Acknowledgments

We really appreciate all the study participants for their precious time and goodwill in volunteering for the present study.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

The research project of this paper was supported by Yonsei University Wonju Campus Future-Leading Research Initiative of 2017 [RMS2 grant number: 2017-52-0126].