Nutrition Students Gain Skills from Motivational Interviewing Curriculum

Implementing motivational interviewing training: Strengthening the role of the registered nurse

“…From a feasibility standpoint, it may not be possible for all nursing programs to provide proficient training in MI, however 300 minutes is at least sufficient for foundational knowledge. [7] Curriculum committees in academic settings can decide where to place the didactic course material, prior to the clinical learning experience. The Adult Learning Theory is just one possibility to ground didactic curriculum efforts moving forward, however more literature is needed on course content building.…”

“…[7] Although MI has gained popularity among the RDN discipline, Smart et al [7] reports adequate training is lacking and a structured program would benefit the undergraduate dietician students. A small quasi-experimental pilot study took a closer look into MI curricula, grounded in the Adult Learning Theory (ALT).…”

“…[16] The literature reports one 300 minute training session effective, whereas another didactic approach, known as Group Motivational Interviewing (GMI), is another focused competency alternative. [7,18] GMI facilitates active participation and exploration of personal goals, which is the foundational principal of MI in client-centered counseling. Booster training sessions are recommended to maintain skills, continue learning and increase confidence with MI application.…”

“…There is an increasing focus on the management of chronic conditions, which speaks to the growing need to promote lifestyle changes, which modify risk factors. [6,7] Motivational interviewing (MI) is a method for encouraging people to make behavioral changes to improve health outcomes. [8] MI, as a strategy to promote behavior change, historically has its roots in the addictions field.…”

“…[6,10] There are specific aspects of communication one must learn to become proficient in MI such as reflective listening, formulating open-ended questions and affirming the client. [7,9] MI is appealing to primary care because it can be viewed as a practical front line intervention, which reflects the overarching goals of the national healthcare strategy. [11] The ACA aims to elevate prevention and chronic care management to a national priority, providing opportunities for health promotion through all policies, which will build on the foundation of preceding initiatives, such as Healthy People 2020.…”