Is there scope to use the COM-B model for developing an online health psychology module?

Abstract

Background: Digital technologies are increasingly being used for training future healthcare professionals. User attrition is an issue in online learning as it is in digital behaviour change interventions. This study aims to review an online Health Psychology module to explore how behaviour change techniques (BCTs) linked to components of the capability, opportunity, and motivation (COM-B) model may be integrated to the module for potentially improving future healthcare professionals’ motivation, engagement, and retention. Methods: An online module titled ‘Health Promotion and Behaviour Change’ is deconstructed in terms of the online tools, learning materials and, formative and summative assessments. Each element is coded in terms of occurrences of BCTs, which are then mapped on to the COM-B constructs. Additional opportunities for integrating BCTs are identified. Findings: The study reports the challenges and opportunities for integrating BCTs in the module. Currently some elements in the module contain BCTs, including tools for self-monitoring behaviour, social support, and prompts and cues related to online learning experiences. Findings suggest a lack of theoretical underpinnings in the development of the module but there appears to be scope for using the COM-B model for informing module development. Discussion: There is potential for going beyond teaching future healthcare professionals about theoretical models to actively use them (e.g. COM-B model) as a framework for guiding module development, delivery, and evaluation. Future research could investigate the use of other approaches for developing digital behaviour change interventions (e.g. the person-based approach) to improve retention rates in future healthcare professionals’ online learning experiences.