Creation of a motivational interviewing-based pharmacy communications course: From dissemination to assessment

Background and purpose: Pharmacists are frequently faced with evocative patient care conversations surrounding medication taking behaviors and overall health and wellness. Teaching communication is a core focus within pharmacy education; however, there is often less emphasis placed on learning motivational interviewing (MI). We will share challenges and successes associated with the creation and dissemination of a MI-based communications course with pharmacy student learners. Educational activity and setting: A fast-paced, five-week, active learning course was created for first-year pharmacy students. Learning activities focused on exploration of ambivalence in clinical practice, roadblocks to active listening, resisting the righting reflex, the spirit of MI, and the core skills of MI. The Motivational Interviewing Competency Assessment was utilized to assess student MI competency at the completion of the course. Findings: This MI-based course has been well-received by pharmacy student learners. It serves as a foundation for communication skills development, as students continue the practice and grow these skills throughout the curriculum. Communication skills assessment and feedback are an integral aspect of MI learning; however, this process does increase the workload of course instructors. A limitation to the global creation of a MI-based course is the reduced number of pharmacy educators who are proficient in training MI. Summary: As the practice of pharmacy and patient care continues to evolve, effective communication skills that include MI, are essential to the provision of person-centered, empathic patient care.