Assessment of a motivational interviewing curriculum for year 3 medical students using a standardized patient case

We sought to evaluate a year 3 motivational interviewing (MI) curriculum using a standardized patient case.

The 2-h small group MI curriculum included a didactic presentation followed by interactive role plays. During a clinical skills assessment at the end of year 3 the MI skills of 80 students who had participated in the curriculum were compared with those of 19 students who had not participated.

The standardized patient reliably rated the students on their performance of 8 items. Students who had participated in the MI curriculum were significantly more proficient than nonparticipating students in the performance of 2 strategic MI skills, importance and confidence rulers (ps<.006). The groups did not differ in their use of patient-centered counseling skills or collaborative change planning commonly used in MI.

Third year medical students can learn to use MI skills that specifically aim to enhance patients' motivations for change.

Medical schools should consider providing students with MI training and MI skill assessments using standardized patient cases to help students prepare to counsel patients for behavior change.