Digital behaviour change interventions: design and evaluation

Abstract

Aims: This symposium aims to: 1. demonstrate how theories and empirical evidence can inform the selection of intervention components for digital behaviour change interventions; 2. highlight different methods for evaluation; 3. discuss the impact and importance of usability testing and user engagement; and 4. provide estimates for the likely effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a digital intervention delivered alongside usual care. Rationale: Principles of the development and evaluation of complex interventions can be applied to digital behaviour change interventions that can provide wide reach, supplement existing health services and/or provide support for people who do not engage with other means of support. Summary: The symposium will begin with five presentations focusing on different aspects and stages of intervention development. Digital interventions aimed at helping people change their behaviours will be discussed in relation to four behavioural domains, including alcohol consumption, smoking, physical activity and dietary behaviours. The first presentation (C. Garnett) will consider the selection of intervention components most likely to be effective in a smartphone app to reduce excessive drinking. The second presentation (I. Tombor) will discuss a full factorial screening experiment to evaluate aspects of a smartphone app to help pregnant women stop smoking. The third presentation (F. Naughton) will present findings from a multicentre, randomised controlled trial estimating the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a text message-based self-help intervention for smoking cessation in pregnancy. The fourth presentation (J. Nurmi) will discuss the feasibility and acceptability of a smartphone app designed to increase physical activity and promote healthy eating. The final presentation (D. Crane) will consider the usability evaluation of a smartphone app to help people reduce their alcohol consumption. The symposium will end with a general discussion around the design, delivery and evaluation of digital interventions and the role they can play in promoting behaviour change (K. Knittle).