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

BACKGROUND: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. PURPOSE:This study explored whether, where, and how Motivational Interviewing is integrated into current prelicensure nursing curricula. METHODS:An exploratory, descriptive study incorporated a researcher-developed survey. RESULTS: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. CONCLUSION: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.