Motivational interview improves treatment entry in homeless veterans

Abstract

Motivational Interviewing (MI) has successfully been used to facilitate entry and compliance in drug and alcohol treatment programs. Some questions have been raised as to the effectiveness of MI in severely distressed populations. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of MI in a population of homeless, unemployed, and substance dependent veterans who are being wait-listed for entry into a residential treatment program. Seventy-five veterans placed on a wait-list were randomized to receive a single MI or standard (Std) intake interview. Outcomes assessed were entry, and length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes assessed included program completion and rates of graduation. Readiness to change and self-efficacy were assessed before and after the interview. Significantly more participants entered the program in the MI group (95%) than in the Std group (71%). Although those in the MI group remained in the program longer, and had higher program completion and graduation rates, these differences were not statistically significant. No significant between-group or within-group differences were found in readiness or self-efficacy. This study demonstrates that a single, easily administered intervention can increase program entry. Also based on the study findings, further research into the question of whether MI can increase program retention, in a severely distressed population, is warranted.

Sex Differences in Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders and Treatment Entry Among Justice-involved Veterans in the Veterans Health Administration

“…Outreach workers may also use motivational interviewing, a strategy that has been shown to be effective at increasing entry into treatment among veterans in jail 39 or homeless veterans. 40 …”

Homelessness and social control: a typology

“…This shift has been associated with the increased use of 'motivational interviewing' in support service delivery more broadly, wherein practitioners proactively attempt to persuade clients to consider making changes, rather than non-directively explore options themselves (Miller and Rollnick, 2002;Wahab, 2005;Wain et al, 2011). When using this approach, frontline workers aim to enhance clients' 'readiness to change' .…”

Patient attitudes towards change in adapted motivational interviewing for substance abuse: a systematic review

“…Another study13 of a sample of 184 driving while impaired recidivists with substance abuse, however, detected no significant benefit with AMI compared with a control condition in increasing readiness using the Readiness to Change Questionnaire. Another study85 of homeless and substance-dependent veterans found no increase in RTC as measured by the Alcohol Readiness to Change Scale.…”