Integration of Motivational Interviewing Within Prelicensure Nursing Programs: A National Survey

Vital to the nurse-patient partnership is the use of active listening and a clear understanding of the patient's health care goals. Motivational Interviewing is an evidence-based, patient-centered communication technique that assists patients in self-identifying and committing to health behavior change.

This study explored whether, where, and how Motivational Interviewing is integrated into current prelicensure nursing curricula.

An exploratory, descriptive study incorporated a researcher-developed survey.

Participants (N = 112) represented 5 types of prelicensure nursing programs from across the United States. Forty-one participants reported using Motivational Interviewing within their program with accreditation being the primary rationale. Seventy-one participants reported not integrating Motivational Interviewing within their program with lack of knowledge being the primary rationale.

Further research on optimizing the integration of Motivational Interviewing educational content and practice into all levels and specialty areas of nursing education would help to identify best practices.