Evaluating the effect of an e-learning program designed to teach health care practitioners to inform patients with a model drawn from motivational interviewing: A pilot randomized controlled trial

Objectives: We tested the effect of a 1.5-h e-learning course, which presents a new model for information-giving based on Motivational Interviewing, on practitioners' skills to inform patients. Methods: Thirty-two physicians and nurses at Lausanne University Hospital participated in a pilot randomized controlled trial to assess the impact of the e-learning on performance during an encounter with a simulated patient (SP). Participants were randomized (1:1) to complete the e-learning before (intervention) or after (control) the SP encounter. Encounters were coded using an adapted version of the validated MITI (Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity) coding scale. Analyses compared group differences and explored effects by clinical experience. Results: The intervention group showed significantly better communication behaviors when delivering information, using less persuasion and more collaborative strategies (e.g., asking permission, checking understanding, eliciting patient reaction). Effects varied by experience level, with less experienced practitioners showing greater effects in empathy, partnership, seeking collaboration and use of open questions. Conclusion: The e-learning impacted the way providers inform patients and shows promise as an effective tool for skill development, especially among less experienced practitioners.Innovation: This study introduces a novel framework for conceptualizing and teaching information delivery as a structured interactive process and provides an institution-wide program for all staff involved in patient communication.