title: Training peer specialists with mental illness in motivational interviewing: A pilot study.
abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of providing motivational interviewing (MI) training to peer specialists in the Veterans Affairs (VA) health-care system.
  
  
  
  Fourteen peer specialists at a local VA medical center received a 2-day workshop on MI and 2 monthly booster sessions afterward. A total of 55 therapy sessions between peer specialists and their peer service recipients were audio-recorded and independently rated on MI fidelity before the workshop and each month after the workshop for 3 months. Sessions were rated on fidelity scales assessing Fundamental MI Adherence and Competence, Advanced MI Adherence and Competence, and MI Inconsistent Adherence scales. One item was created for this study that assessed Sharing Lived Experiences. Repeated measures analysis was conducted to examine change in MI fidelity over time.
  
  
  
  Peer specialists had a significant decline in MI Inconsistent Adherence scale scores over time. Specifically, they showed reductions in providing unsolicited advice and emphasizing absolute abstinence. Peer specialists also showed a significant decline in the Sharing Lived Experience Adherence item score. There were no significant changes on MI Fundamental and Advance scale scores.
  
  
  
  Training peer specialists in MI is feasible and may lead to some change in practices, but comprehensive training and ongoing supervision is needed to incur and sustain changes. Guidance and assessment of how peer specialists share their lived experiences with fellow veterans may be needed to capitalize on their unique experiences and skill sets. (PsycINFO Database Record
authors: Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System.
authors: Jack
authors: J
authors: Tsai
authors: Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System.
authors: Anne
authors: A
authors: Klee
authors: Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System.
authors: Nicole
authors: N
authors: Shea
authors: Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System.
authors: Mark
authors: M
authors: Lawless
authors: Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System.
authors: Kevin A
authors: KA
authors: Payne
authors: Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System.
authors: Elizabeth
authors: E
authors: Goggin
authors: Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System.
authors: Josiane
authors: J
authors: Alix
authors: Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System.
authors: Eileen
authors: E
authors: Tam
authors: Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System.
authors: Krystal
authors: K
authors: Smith
authors: Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System.
authors: Steve
authors: S
authors: Martino
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D062405:Motivational Interviewing / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration; D000067074:Peer Influence; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011566:Psychiatric Aides / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D000072858:Psychosocial Support Systems; D013663:Teaching; D014481:United States; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*