AbstractBackgroundAutoimmune disorders and neurodegenerative disorders take a physical and emotional toll on patients that undergo therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) treatments. Previous literature has shown that these patients may feel a greater sense of self‐burden. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a technique used in various settings that has the potential to decrease feelings of self‐burden. MI for patients who receive TPE has not been tested. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of MI in patients with a neurodegenerative diagnosis (eg, transverse myelitis, myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy) that are undergoing TPE treatments.MethodsThis was a prospective, non‐randomized, longitudinal study of the impact of MI with patients at high risk of sense of self‐burden who underwent apheresis treatments. Consented patients underwent three to six MI sessions with a trained clinician. Patients completed a self‐report baseline and post‐test of self‐perceived burden.ResultsThirty participants consented to the study; 27 were included in the analysis. The Self‐Perceived Burden Scale scores were significantly higher at baseline (m = 26.2) when compared to scores post MI sessions (m = 21.48, P < .05). The number of MI sessions (3, 4, 5, 6 sessions) did not significantly impact the outcome score (r2 = 0.001; P = .901).ConclusionMI is a straightforward technique that is feasible and shown to be effective to be used by bedside clinicians while working with patients who receive TPE to decrease levels of self‐perceived burden.