Training in motivational interviewing as a best training practice in pediatric psychology: Relationship to core competencies.

Abstract

Oklahoma State University and Brown UniversityThis article describes an innovative Motivational Interviewing (MI) training that isincluded in the current training program for psychology interns and fellows (trainees)at 1 institution and outlines how this training experience aligns with multiple coretraining competencies for pediatric psychologists. MI is an evidence-based approach tobehavior change counseling that is efficacious in motivating change in many health-riskbehaviors. The training module adds systematic practice with simulated patients andobjective feedback regarding adherence and fidelity to MI principles and strategies totraditional didactics. This state-of-the-art training is particularly beneficial to ourpediatric psychology trainees, as it impacts treatment interventions with their patientsand families and maps onto several of the new pediatric psychology competencies.Specific examples of training components are provided and demonstrate how the MItraining module aligns with the pediatric psychology competencies in several clusters:crosscutting knowledge competencies in pediatric psychology, interpersonal, profes-sionalism, and application. MI training is well-suited to be included in competency-based training in pediatric psychology.