Identification of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) applied in chronic illness self-management intervention: challenges and solutions

Abstract

Background: A cross-behaviour taxonomy of 93 BCTs (taxonomy v1) has been developed, providing a systematic method for specifying intervention components. This study aims to explore its applicability to chronic illness management (CIM) interventions. Methods: Sixteen experts in CIM participated in an online survey, rating each of the 93 BCTs from taxonomy v1 in terms of perceived relevance to CIM interventions (response options: not relevant, of little relevance, moderately relevant, very relevant, don’t know). A subsequent consensus panel meeting was held to discuss the applicability of taxonomy v1 to CIM. Findings: Consensus regarding the relevance of BCTs from taxonomy v1 to CIM was not reached for 44% of BCTs. Numerous issues relating to this were raised (e.g. definitions of BCTs are directive but CIM techniques are often more collaborative, CIM techniques often target behaviour change via emotional adjustment to illness) and potential ways forward to increase relevance identified (e.g. agree CIM definition, adapt the taxonomy for CIM). Discussion: The development of a guide to increase the relevance of BCTs in taxonomy v1 for CIM may improve its applicability to CIM interventions.