Objective This systematic review sought to determine the current state of the literature on the effectiveness of training health and mental health professionals in motivational interviewing (MI). Method Data sources: The following databases were searched: MEDLINE/PreMEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and CENTRAL Cochrane Central Trials Register. Inclusion criteria were empirical studies of any year that employed any research design to evaluate the effectiveness of training health or mental health professionals in MI. Studies with main outcomes other than behavioral or organizational were excluded. To minimize bias, dual review was employed. Full data abstraction was conducted independently by two reviewers. A qualitative synthesis of the findings and risk of bias data are reported. Results A total of 22 studies were included in this review. Seventeen of the 22 studies reported significant practitioner behavior change relative to motivational interviewing skills, notwithstanding variation in training approach, population, outcome measures, and study quality. Conclusion This review demonstrates practitioner behavior change on MI skills utilizing a variety of training and outcome methods. Future work of high methodological rigor, clear reporting, and that attends to training as one part of the implementation process will help to elucidate the factors that lead to the uptake of new practices.
