Motivational interviewing–informed communication supporting oral health: a quasi-experimental study of inpatient readiness for behaviour change

Background Poor oral health contributes to chronic diseases, yet oral hygiene communication is often overlooked in hospital care. Motivational Interviewing (MI) uses empathetic, collaborative communication to support motivation and readiness for behaviour change.Objective To examine inpatients’ immediate behavioural responses following a brief MI-informed oral health communication intervention.Methods In a quasi-experimental study, 233 inpatients across five wards received 15-minute bedside education sessions delivered by oral health students trained in MI-informed communication. Sessions incorporated empathy, reflective listening and stage-matched dialogue to address barriers and personalize oral hygiene. Questionnaires assessed oral health behaviours and post-intervention motivation, intention, confidence and readiness. Open-ended responses were analysed using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) framework to explore factors relevant to participants’ oral health behaviours.Results At baseline, 65% of participants reported twice-daily brushing, while 38.6% reported never flossing. Post-intervention, 68.7% were classified in the Preparation stage. Stage-of-change classification was associated with pre-intervention brushing frequency (P = .007), flossing frequency (P = .027) and bedtime brushing (P = .048), and with post-intervention confidence (P < .001). Most participants (69.9%) rated the session as very or extremely effective in increasing their motivation. Qualitative findings identified influences across Capability, Opportunity and Motivation, including knowledge, resources and support, competing health priorities and meaningful reasons for change.Conclusion Brief MI-informed oral health communication delivered by trained students shows potential as a patient-centred approach to engaging inpatients in oral hygiene behaviour change. Findings highlight the roles of capability, opportunity and motivation in readiness for change and support further evaluation of this approach in hospital care.