How do you measure the outcomes and impacts of MI?

1 MI fidelity

One of the key aspects of measuring MI is to ensure that you are adhering to the core principles and techniques of MI, such as expressing empathy, supporting autonomy, developing discrepancy, rolling with resistance, and evoking change talk. MI fidelity refers to the degree to which you deliver MI in a consistent and competent way, according to the standards and guidelines of MI. MI fidelity can be assessed by using various tools, such as the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity (MITI) code, which measures the frequency and quality of MI behaviors and global ratings.

2 MI outcomes

Another aspect of measuring MI is to examine the outcomes and impacts of MI on your clients, such as their behavior change, satisfaction, engagement, retention, and well-being. MI outcomes can be assessed by using various measures, such as self-report questionnaires, interviews, observations, or objective indicators. For example, you can use the Readiness Ruler to measure your clients' readiness to change, the Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire (TSRQ) to measure their autonomy support, or the Client Evaluation of Motivational Interviewing (CEMI) to measure their satisfaction with MI.

3 MI mechanisms

A third aspect of measuring MI is to understand the mechanisms and processes that underlie the effects of MI on your clients, such as their motivation, self-efficacy, decisional balance, cognitive dissonance, or ambivalence. MI mechanisms can be assessed by using various methods, such as coding and analyzing the verbal exchanges between you and your clients, using the Motivational Interviewing Skills Code (MISC) or the Client Language Easy Rating (CLEAR) system. These methods can help you identify and quantify the types and quality of client language, such as change talk, sustain talk, or commitment language.

5 MI research

A fifth aspect of measuring MI is to contribute to the evidence base and knowledge of MI, by conducting or participating in research studies that test the efficacy, effectiveness, or implementation of MI in different contexts and populations. MI research can be done by using various designs, such as randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, or case studies. MI research can help you answer questions such as: How does MI compare to other interventions? What are the moderators and mediators of MI? How can MI be integrated with other approaches?

6 MI ethics

A sixth aspect of measuring MI is to ensure that you are following the ethical principles and standards of MI, such as respect, autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and fidelity. MI ethics can be assessed by using various criteria, such as the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) code of ethics, the International Coaching Federation (ICF) code of ethics, or the American Psychological Association (APA) code of ethics. MI ethics can help you protect the rights and interests of your clients, maintain your professional integrity and competence, and avoid or resolve any ethical dilemmas or conflicts.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?