The present paper serves to provide an overview of the theory and principles of MI
practice and to evaluate its effectiveness as an intervention for patients with diabetes.
The results of several recent randomised controlled trials are outlined and the mixed
findings suggest that MI can be used as an effective way of enhancing diabetes
treatment but that it appears most effective when targeted to one specific behavioural
outcome (such as weight loss or dietary adherence). Barriers still exist which restrict
its effectiveness and therefore the successful implementation of MI into health care
settings. Key issues are discussed such as the importance of standardised training
and ensuring treatment integrity. Further research is needed to establish the active
underlying mechanisms which are driving change and to ascertain the longer-term
benefits of MI to both patients and practitioners. This would help facilitate the
successful integration of MI skills and/or practice into routine diabetes care.
Eur Diabetes Nursing 2011; 8(2):