Motivational interviewing in service delivery: a systematic literature review of organisational factors affecting implementation

Purpose Motivational interviewing (MI) is a client-centred counselling approach which supports an individual’s motivation to change behaviour. It has a substantial evidence base across various disciplines. This review synthesises existing evidence of the barriers and facilitators to MI implementation within service delivery. Design/methodology/approach A systematic search of four databases retrieved ten international studies, which were critically appraised and synthesised following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Framework synthesis was used to map findings onto existing MI implementation factors, with a descriptive commentary provided on barriers and facilitators. Findings The review evidences the complexities of MI implementation within service delivery and outlines nine dimensions (leadership and management; workplace context; resources; therapist context; training; client context; documentation and outcomes gathering; and treatment fidelity) for consideration at all stages, if implementation is to be effective. Originality/value As an outcome of this review, the empirically-derived framework may aid the planning and execution of MI implementation.