Training nursing students in motivational interviewing for alcohol misuse: A mixed method study.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Public Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Motivational interviewing (MI) is effective for reducing alcohol consumption in university students.
• Nurses often lack formal MI training, hindering their competence in addressing student alcohol misuse.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, implement, and evaluate an MI training course for undergraduate nursing students focused on alcohol misuse.
• To explore nursing students' experiences with the developed MI training course.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods study utilizing a descriptive comparative quantitative design and qualitative focus groups.
• An elective 12-week course was delivered to 21 fourth-year nursing students at a Spanish university.
• Data collection involved questionnaires, exams, assessments, and focus groups, analyzed using Kirkpatrick's model.

Main Results:

• Students reported high satisfaction (9/10) and found the course content useful and adequate.
• All students acquired MI knowledge and significantly improved microskills, with half reaching proficiency in key areas.
• Key themes included positive learning atmosphere, effective module methodologies, and enhanced self-perceived competence, with reported transfer to clinical practice.

Conclusions:

• The MI training course positively influenced nursing students' knowledge, skills, attitudes, and self-perceived competence.
• The course prepared students for future professional work in addressing alcohol misuse.
• Integrating such training into nursing curricula is recommended to enhance student preparedness.