Irregular Blood Sugar Monitoring

OARS is a foundational framework in Motivational Interviewing (MI), guiding healthcare professionals to engage with clients effectively. It stands for Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflective listening, and Summarizing.

Monitoring blood sugar regularly helps patient to understand better their sugar spikes. Monitoring can be done using glucometer or more advanced monitoring system by continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS).

Doctor: “How often are you checking your blood sugar?”
Patient: “Not as often as I should.”
Doctor: “What’s one time of day you could commit to? Maybe mornings before breakfast?” [Affirmations]

Affirmations is the ability to recognize and validate the client’s strengths, efforts, and achievements. It helps the client to build confidence as well as rapport. The purpose of affirmations is to reinforces the client’s ability to change.

Emotional Eating

OARS is a foundational framework in Motivational Interviewing (MI), guiding healthcare professionals to engage with clients effectively. It stands for Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflective listening, and Summarizing.

Dietitian: “You mentioned eating when you’re stressed. What’s that like for you?” [Open-ended question]
Patient: “I just grab junk food.”
Dietitian: “That’s a common response. How about finding a go-to snack that feels comforting but healthier?”

Patient who skip breakfast

OARS is a foundational framework in Motivational Interviewing (MI), guiding healthcare professionals to engage with clients effectively. It stands for Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflective listening, and Summarizing.

Reflective Listening

  • Echo back what the client shares to show understanding and encourage deeper conversation.
  • Includes simple reflections (restating what was said) and complex reflections (interpreting meaning or emotions).
  • Purpose: Clarifies the client’s concerns and feelings, helping them feel heard.

Examples:

Diabetic Educator: “You often skip breakfast. How do you feel by mid-morning?”
Patient: “Hungry and tired.”
Diabetic Educator: “Oh, I feel that. How about starting your day with something quick? You could try a boiled egg or a glass of milk.”

Busy Work Schedule

OARS is a foundational framework in Motivational Interviewing (MI), guiding healthcare professionals to engage with clients effectively. It stands for Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflective listening, and Summarizing.

Doctor: “You said your job makes it hard to eat well. What’s a typical workday like?”

Patient: “Nonstop meetings, no time for meals.”

Doctor: “That sounds exhausting. What about keeping quick snacks, like nuts or fruits, at your desk?”

Reflective listening

Sugar Cravings

OARS is a foundational framework in Motivational Interviewing (MI), guiding healthcare professionals to engage with clients effectively. It stands for Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflective listening, and Summarizing.

Dietitian: “You mentioned struggling with sugar cravings. When do they usually hit?”

Open-ended question

Patient: “Mostly at night.”

Dietitian: “That’s tough. What if we plan for a healthier treat, like a small yogurt, to satisfy your craving?”

Affirmation

Medication Non-Adherence

OARS is a foundational framework in Motivational Interviewing (MI), guiding healthcare professionals to engage with clients effectively. It stands for Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflective listening, and Summarizing.

Pharmacist: “I noticed you’ve missed a few doses of your medication. What’s been going on?”

Open-ended question

Patient: “I just forget sometimes.”


Pharmacist: “That’s a common challenge. What could help you remember—maybe setting an alarm or linking it to a daily habit?”

Reflective listening

Small Steps, Big Changes: How a Pharmacist Empowers Patients to Take Control of Their Diabetes

Pharmacist: Hello! Thanks for coming in today. How can I assist you?
Patient: My doctor said I should see you to talk about my medications and managing my diabetes better.
Pharmacist: That’s great that you’re taking this step. Managing diabetes can be challenging, but with the right support, it’s definitely possible. Let’s start with your current medications. Are you taking them as prescribed?
Patient: I try, but honestly, I sometimes forget, especially when I’m busy.
Pharmacist: That’s understandable—life gets hectic! Can you tell me which medications you’re currently on and how often you’re taking them?
Patient: I’m taking metformin twice a day and some blood pressure pills in the morning. But sometimes, I skip the second dose of metformin if I’m not feeling hungry.
Pharmacist: Thanks for sharing that. It’s important to understand how these medications work. Metformin helps keep your blood sugar steady throughout the day, whether or not you’re eating. Taking it consistently is key to managing your diabetes effectively. What do you think makes it hard to stick to the second dose?
Patient: I guess I don’t see the point if I’m not eating much. Plus, I get busy and forget.
Pharmacist: I see. You’re trying to adjust based on your meals and daily routine, which shows you’re thinking about your health. Let’s figure out a way to make it easier for you to remember and stick to the schedule. Would reminders on your phone or linking it to a daily habit—like brushing your teeth—help?
Patient: Maybe. I do check my phone a lot, so a reminder might work.
Pharmacist: Great idea! Setting a phone reminder can be really effective. If you’d like, I can help you set that up before you leave today.

This conversation highlights the pharmacist’s role in addressing medication adherence while using motivational interviewing techniques to empower the patient.