Challenges in developing primary care physicians' motivational interviewing skills.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Behavioral Science
• Primary Care

Background:

• Motivational interviewing (MI) skills are crucial for primary care providers (PCPs) managing behavior-influenced diseases.
• Developing these skills in PCPs presents significant challenges.
• The study aimed to document MI skill acquisition in PCPs using the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity (MITI) system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of MI workshops in enhancing PCP's MI skills.
• To document MI skill acquisition using the MITI coding system.
• To identify challenges and potential improvements for MI training in primary care.

Main Methods:

• Eleven PCPs attended six MI workshops over six months.
• Participants submitted work samples for assessment using the MITI coding system.
• A revised approach involved simulated patient encounters for skill assessment.

Main Results:

• Only 13 of 55 expected work samples were submitted.
• No PCPs reached the MITI's Beginning Proficiency threshold for MI skills.
• A revised method using simulated patient encounters was implemented.

Conclusions:

• Six MI workshops were insufficient for PCPs to achieve Beginning Proficiency.
• Low work sample submission rates may have impeded skill development.
• Effective MI training for PCPs may require more than workshops, potentially including simulated patients or protected time for practice.