Ongoing supervision as a method to implement Motivational interviewing: Results of a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Addiction treatment
• Clinical psychology
• Behavioral health

Background:

• Motivational interviewing (MI) is a key intervention in behavioral health.
• Effective supervision is crucial for maintaining and enhancing practitioner skills in MI.
• The Swedish National Board of Institutional Care (SiS) sought to assess MI skills and supervision methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of different MI supervision methods.
• To assess the impact of objective feedback on MI skill acquisition and the supervisory relationship.

Main Methods:

• 134 SiS practitioners were randomized into three groups: regular group supervision, individual telephone supervision with partial objective feedback, or full objective feedback.
• Participants' MI skills were assessed at baseline and during supervision.

Main Results:

• Practitioners demonstrated initial MI proficiency, with wide variations in skill levels.
• Regular supervision and supervision with objective feedback were equally effective in improving MI skills.
• Objective feedback did not negatively impact supervisee comfort or the supervisory alliance.

Conclusions:

• Extensive implementation of MI can enhance practitioner skills.
• The most effective mode of ongoing MI supervision requires further investigation.
• Objective feedback appears safe and potentially beneficial for skill development.