Motivational interviewing in postoperative rehabilitation and chronic disease management: Current findings and future research directions

This editorial highlights a recently published study examining the effectiveness of music therapy combined with motivational interviewing (MI) in addressing anxiety and depression among young and middle-aged patients following percutaneous coronary intervention. It further explores existing evidence and potential future research directions for MI in postoperative rehabilitation and chronic disease management. MI aims to facilitate behavioral change and promote healthier lifestyles by fostering a trusting relationship with patients and enhancing intrinsic motivation. Research has demonstrated its effectiveness in postoperative recovery for oncological surgery, stroke, organ transplants, and gastrointestinal procedures, as well as in managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and periodontal disease. The approach is patient-centered, adaptable, cost-effective, and easily replicable, though its limitations include reliance on the therapist's expertise, variability in individual responses, and insufficient long-term follow-up studies. Future research could focus on developing individualized and precise intervention models, exploring applications in digital health management, and confirming long-term outcomes to provide more comprehensive support for patient rehabilitation.