title: Effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing in improving lipid level in patients with dyslipidemia assisted by general practitioners: Dislip-EM study protocol.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The non-pharmacological approach to cholesterol control in patients with hyperlipidemia is based on the promotion of a healthy diet and physical activity. Thus, to help patients change their habits, it is essential to identify the most effective approach. Many efforts have been devoted to explain changes in or adherence to specific health behaviors. Such efforts have resulted in the development of theories that have been applied in prevention campaigns, and that include brief advice and counseling services. Within this context, Motivational Interviewing has proven to be effective in changing health behaviors in specific cases. However, more robust evidence is needed on the effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing in treating chronic pathologies -such as dyslipidemia- in patients assisted by general practitioners. This article describes a protocol to assess the effectiveness of MI as compared with general practice (brief advice), with the aim of improving lipid level control in patients with dyslipidemia assisted by a general practitioner.
  
  
  METHODS
  An open, two-arm parallel, multicentre, cluster, controlled, randomized, clinical trial will be performed. A total of 48-50 general practitioners from 35 public primary care centers in Spain will be randomized and will recruit 436 patients with dyslipidemia. They will perform an intervention based either on Motivational Interviewing or on the usual brief advice. After an initial assessment, follow-ups will be performed at 2, 4, 8 and 12 months. Primary outcomes are lipid levels (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides) and cardiovascular risk. The study will assess the degree of dietary and physical activity improvement, weight loss in overweight patients, and adherence to treatment guidelines.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Motivational interview skills constitute the primary strategies GPs use to treat their patients. Having economical, simple, effective and applicable techniques is essential for primary care professionals to help their patients change their lifestyle and improve their health. This study will provide scientific evidence on the effectiveness of Motivational interviewing, and will be performed under strict control over the data collected, ensuring the maintenance of therapeutic integrity.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01282190).
authors: Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain. luisangel.perula@gmail.com
authors: Luis A
authors: LA
authors: Pérula
authors: Josep M
authors: JM
authors: Bosch
authors: Julia
authors: J
authors: Bóveda
authors: Manuel
authors: M
authors: Campiñez
authors: Nieves
authors: N
authors: Barragán
authors: Juan C
authors: JC
authors: Arboniés
authors: Jose A
authors: JA
authors: Prados
authors: Enrique
authors: E
authors: Martín
authors: Remedios
authors: R
authors: Martín
authors: Josep
authors: J
authors: Massons
authors: Margarita
authors: M
authors: Criado
authors: Roger
authors: R
authors: Ruiz
authors: José A
authors: JA
authors: Fernández
authors: Francisco
authors: F
authors: Buitrago
authors: Inmaculada
authors: I
authors: Olaya
authors: Modesto
authors: M
authors: Pérez
authors: Joaquin
authors: J
authors: Ruiz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D050171:Dyslipidemias / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D058006:General Practice; D006801:Humans; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007407:Interviews as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D014280:Triglycerides; D002784:Cholesterol