Pilot Study of a Motivational Interviewing Training on Practitioners’ Skill Set for Patient Centered Communication

Abstract

Purpose Increase practitioners' Motivational Interviewing (MI) skill set to develop intrinsic motivation and behavior change competencies. Design Pilot comparing intervention group with waitlist-control group. Setting Health Plan in northeast of U.S. Intervention Training program including a 3 day 19 hour MI training intensive, 1.5 hour follow-up skill-building trainings, and quality assurance review using an MI assessment tool paired with strengths-based mentoring. Cohort 1 (experimental group) received the intervention for 6-months and cohort 2 for 3 months (control group). Measures Practitioners’ MI skill set was assessed pre- and post-intervention using Motivational Interviewing Competency Assessment (MICA). Practitioners’ MI knowledge and attitudes were assessed pre- and post-training using adapted Motivational Interviewing Knowledge and Attitudes Test (MIKAT). Active learning and confidence questionnaires were administered post-training. Analysis A generalized linear mixed model with repeated measures to analyze difference in MICA growth rates; paired T-test for MIKAT pre/post training analysis. Descriptive statistics for active learning and confidence. Results MICA scores significantly improved for both cohorts ( P < .0001). Practitioners had significant increase in knowledge and attitudes for MI ( P < .001) and confidence in using MI ( P < .01). High levels of active learning were observed (93-100%). Conclusion With planning, adequate resources/support, and iterative processes for adjustment, practitioners can improve their MI skill set in a short period of time with modest investment of practitioner resources.

Recruitment and retention of clinical trial participants: understanding motivations of patients with chronic pain and other populations

“…Based on this understanding, a conceptual framework for effective recruitment conversations includes ( 30 , 42 , 43 ): seeking to build trust and a sense of legitimacy creating an unpressured, nonjudging space where patients feel free to choose being genuine, honest, and transparent while holding an unequivocally positive orientation about participation providing information about the trial purpose, objectives, procedures, benefits, and risks in clear, easy-to-understand language being prepared to answer questions and address objections Investigators might find it valuable to employ a method of conversation called “motivational interviewing” (MI) used in health and wellness coaching and other fields to help individuals increase intrinsic motivation and resolve ambivalence ( 44 ). Motivational interviewing, the basics of which may be learned in a brief training, is used in medicine for many purposes, e.g., to improve medication adherence and medical outcomes ( 45 , 46 ). Motivational interviewing uses open-ended questions, active listening, and other dialogue skills to help patients express, validate, and explore their views and feelings to effectively process ambivalence and make decisions in their best interest ( 43 ).…”