Motivational Interviewing: An Experiential Online Training Tool

DESCRIPTION provided by applicant Between and the Center for Social Innovation LLC C developed and evaluated a prototype of the Motivational Interviewing Simulator An Experiential Online Training Tool The interactive case based multiplayer web based game allows service providers to deepen their skills in Motivational Interviewing MI a widely recognized evidence based practice that supports people to make positive behavior changes related to health wellness mental illness and addiction Phase I study findings support the productandapos s feasibility and the need for a large scale randomized trial to determine the toolandapos s effectiveness During Phase I participants in the Simulator group showed significant improvements in MI skills as measured by Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity MITI scores percent improvement over baseline and Helpful Responses Questionnaire HRQ scores percent improvement over baseline both substantially higher than the rates of improvement for participants in the control groups This project represents Phase II of the work to further develop the MI Simulator and to study its impact on provider behavior and client outcomes Phase II will create multiple andquot play arenasandquot Single Player Two Player and Advanced Freeplay spaces and multiple case based scenarios related to mental health homelessness addiction and primary care The significantly expanded product will have wide appeal across a large workforce of providers serving vulnerable populations and it will support NIMHandapos s strategy of andquot closing the gap between the development of new research tested interventions and their widespread use by those most in need andquot The Phase II randomized controlled trial is guided by four specific aims Diversify the prototype Motivational Interviewing Simulator to meet the needs of a wider audience Evaluate the Simulator through a randomized controlled trial Disseminate Findings Prepare for Commercialization During Phase II of this study we will recruit providers from community agencies serving individuals who live in supportive housing many of whom have histories of mental illness addiction homelessness and medical problems After receiving a standardized two day onsite MI training participants will be randomized into one of three conditions MI Training Only MI Training eBook an online comparison with comparable information to the Simulator without the interactive elements or MI Training Simulator The longitudinal mixed method study will assess providersandapos acquisition and retention of MI knowledge and skills through surveys and coding of standardized client interviews barriers and facilitators of MI implementation via focus groups organizational level data via key informant interviews and site visits and client outcomes for clients through surveys administrative data and focus groups PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE The Motivational Interviewing Simulator An Experiential Online Training Tool represents an innovative effort to match online simulation technology with the evidence based practice of Motivational Interviewing MI The MI Simulator is an interactive multiplayer learning tool for service providers It is designed to increase MI knowledge and skills ensure fidelity to the model and improve quality of care for vulnerable people by improving the clinical skills of those who work with them