Technology-delivered adaptations of motivational interviewing for health-related behaviors: A systematic review of the current research

- We reviewed studies delivering motivational interviewing via technology (technology delivered adaptations of MI:TAMI).
- A range of technologies was used to deliver various MI components (e.g., pros/cons, MI spirit).
- Research methods varied and few studies used adherence measures.
- Overall, studies indicated high acceptability and positive behavior change in interventions that tested efficacy.
- Future research is needed to study adherence to MI and impact of TAMIs on behavior change.

ObjectivesThe aims of this paper were to describe and evaluate the methods and efficacy of technology-delivered motivational interviewing interventions (TAMIs), discuss the challenges and opportunities of TAMIs, and provide a framework for future research.MethodsWe reviewed studies that reported using motivational interviewing (MI) based components delivered via technology and conducted ratings on technology description, comprehensiveness of MI, and study methods.ResultsThe majority of studies were fully-automated and included at least one form of media rich technology to deliver the TAMI. Few studies provided complete descriptions of how MI components were delivered via technology. Of the studies that isolated the TAMI effects, positive changes were reported.ConclusionResearchers have used a range of technologies to deliver TAMIs suggesting feasibility of these methods. However, there are limited data regarding their efficacy, and strategies to deliver relational components remain a challenge. Future research should better characterize the components of TAMIs, empirically test the efficacy of TAMIs with randomized controlled trials, and incorporate fidelity measures. Practice implications: TAMIs are feasible to implement and well accepted. These approaches offer considerable potential to reduce costs, minimize therapist and training burden, and expand the range of clients that may benefit from adaptations of MI.