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Published on: February 19, 2021
Adapting Behavioral Interventions for a Changing Public Health Context: A Worked Example of Implementing a Digital
Katherine Morton1, Ben Ainsworth2,3, Sascha Miller1
1School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.
Rapidly adapting public health interventions like the Germ Defense handwashing program ensures they remain effective and relevant. Iterative methods, informed by data and stakeholder feedback, allow for quick optimization during implementation.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral science
- Public health intervention
- Health services research
Background:
- Need for rapid adaptation of behavioral interventions in dynamic public health contexts like COVID-19.
- Ensuring interventions are relevant, persuasive, feasible, and evidence-based during implementation.
- Demonstration of iterative optimization methods using the Germ Defense handwashing intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a set of iterative methods for rapid intervention adaptation and optimization.
- To illustrate these methods through the optimization of an online handwashing intervention.
Main Methods:
- Rapid optimization and launch of three intervention versions within 1-2 months.
- Informed by stakeholder engagement, emerging evidence, government guidance, qualitative research (interviews, surveys), and usage data.
- Utilized the Table of Changes method for rapid feedback collation and prioritization.
Main Results:
- Clinical stakeholders ensured accuracy; Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) improved clarity and feasibility.
- Iterative updates aligned with new evidence on face-coverings and ventilation.
- Qualitative research and usage data identified engagement barriers and optimization points.
Conclusions:
- Rapid optimization methods enhance the speed and efficiency of intervention adaptation and implementation.
- These methods support the call for more rapid, pragmatic health research.
- Successful optimization of the Germ Defense intervention demonstrates the approach's utility.
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