A Systematic Review of Pharmacists Using Motivational Interviewing and Patient Outcomes

Patients often must change their behaviors to prevent and mitigate the impact of chronic disease, yet deciding to begin and adhere to these changes can be challenging. Motivational interviewing (MI), a patient-centered communication approach, has been utilized by pharmacists to support patients in making these changes. Thus, this systematic review aimed to describe the outcomes of MI interventions by pharmacists and student pharmacists.

Using PRISMA methodology and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024546509), PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched for articles matching the study objective (pharmacists, motivational interviewing, and patient outcomes) from January 2014 to April 2024. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts. Data from included articles were extracted, synthesized categorically, and underwent quality assessment using the Mixed Methods Assessment Test.

Out of 356 identified articles, 45 were included. Randomized controlled trial designs implemented in ambulatory care or community pharmacies in the Global North were most common. Studies most frequently addressed diabetes, hypertension, and smoking cessation. Overall, MI interventions were associated with positive or neutral outcomes, with no studies reporting worsened results. Conditions such as hypertension and lipidemia and the need for nicotine cessation had positive outcomes, while diabetes and cardiovascular conditions contained both positive and neutral outcomes.

Given its low implementation burden, MI represents a potential strategy for pharmacists and student pharmacists to improve patient outcomes, though future research should evaluate intervention fidelity and expand settings studied.