The Collision of a Pandemic and Epidemic: Effectiveness of Student-Led Motivational Interviewing for Patients with Substance Use Disorders

ABSTRACT Purpose: To examine the effectiveness of health professions student-led motivational interviewing for patients with substance use disorders (SUD). Methods: This literature review looked at data from four articles. A PubMed literature search was conducted with search terms: ( motivational interview* OR Motivational Interviewing[MeSH] ) AND (Student* OR Students, Health Occupations [Mesh]). This yielded 378 results. Following application of all inclusion and exclusion criteria, three published studies remained. Results: There were usable data from all three studies. The median number of patients studied was 97.6. All three studies looked at different variables after a brief motivational interview for a patient’s SUD. These variables included whether the patient (1) felt motivated to cut back or quit their substance, (2) was willing to have further discussion about their SUD, (3) was open for a referral to a specialist, and (4) was willing to consider medication assisted treatment. The studies revealed favorable patient outcomes following brief student-led motivational interviewing. Conclusion: It is feasible for health professions students trained in motivational interviewing to perform successful behavior change counseling with patients. Student contribution as part of the team would be a valuable resource for patients, public health, and clinicians/preceptors. Future research should examine the sustainability of the intervention effect over time, how to ensure continuity of care, and how it affects other clinical outcomes