Implementation of Motivational Interviewing in a diabetes care management initiative in the Netherlands

Objective: Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a counseling approach to support behavioural change. The objective of the present study was to examine the uptake of MI in daily practice by health care professionals in a care management initiative for patients with diabetes in the region of Maastricht, the Netherlands. Methods: MI was implemented by means of a training. Directly and six months after the training, the application of MI was measured objectively (MITI) and subjectively (questionnaire). In focus interviews. MI-trained professionals (n = 10) and MI untrained professionals (n = 10) were asked about facilitators and barriers for implementation. Additionally, data on patient characteristics (n = 141) were collected. Results: Spirit of MI was present among professionals directly after the training and increased during follow-up. Mostly uncomplicated techniques were applied. Professionals stated the need for training and practice to be able to apply more complicated techniques. Conclusion: The applicability of MI in daily practice was found feasible, with various degrees of uptake. Relevant conditions to further improve the implementation of MI in daily practice were identified. Practice implications: In daily practice, a phased training in MI is recommended, with sufficient time and support by colleagues as essential conditions to profit most from the training sessions. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.