People Are Not “Behavior Change” Vending Machines

Patients Do Not “Owe” Us Behavior Change

Key Takeaways

·       Ambivalence is a normal part of the process of change and should be expected when interacting with patients or clients.

·       People are not machines that once you “input” the correct counseling techniques or special questions will instantly blurt out their reasons for change and it’s a done deal.

One of the ways I like to unwind is to watch ridiculous videos on YouTube. I remember watching a compilation of people getting angry at various machines for not working. Most of them involved vending machines where people would input their money yet not receive their drink or treat. Of course, if I were waiting for a snickers bar all day, I would be angry. 

The vending machine is a compelling analogy for how many of us feel when interacting with people we want to help [clients, patients, students, etc.]. 

Much like how people input money into the machine to receive something, we can input energy, advice, and compassion into patient interactions to receive something. In the case of patients, the thing we expect is their behavior change. When we don't see behavior change in patients, it can be as frustrating as seeing that snickers bar get stuck in the vending machine. 

While our righteous indignation toward such patients makes complete sense, people are not vending machines. Instead, doubts and second thoughts are part of the process. Patients don't owe us behavior change. Whether we realize it or not, we work under this assumption. It leads to far more frustration with “non-adherent” patients than we realize.