The impact of motivational interviewing by social workers on service users

The principles of MI align with social work values explaining its increasing use in practice, although the evidence base appears limited. Purpose: This systematic review was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of motivational interviewing, by social workers, on service user outcomes. Method: A literature search was undertaken between 2007 and 2018. All eligible studies were analysed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool. Results: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Conclusion: MI has a positive effect on service user experience, but this was not consistent. Training was variable but the evidence suggests that practitioner’s need on going training, supervision or coaching whilst providing MI. There was limited research examining the impact of MI on children, which was a limitation of this review. There is a need for more qualitative research to surface views and experience of service users to determine why MI is effective.