Applying the framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions to increase family communication about...

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Behavioral Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Hereditary cancer testing requires effective family communication.
• Sharing positive results can be challenging for individuals and families.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate an intervention designed to improve family communication of positive hereditary cancer test results.
• To utilize the Framework for Developing and Evaluating Complex Interventions (FDECI) for intervention development and evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Developed 'programme theory' by linking intervention components to behavior change techniques (BCTs).
• Conducted feasibility testing with 12 stakeholder interviews to gather feedback.
• Aligned intervention components with 14 unique BCTs supported by prior evidence.

Main Results:

• Stakeholder feedback led to improvements in information provision, autonomy support, navigation, visuals, and audio.
• Positive feedback highlighted the comprehensiveness, conversation modeling, and usefulness of the intervention materials.
• Intervention components were successfully aligned with 14 BCTs linked to theoretical factors influencing behavior change.

Conclusions:

• The initial FDECI phases were instrumental in refining the intervention.
• The study successfully planned for ongoing effectiveness and future implementation phases.
• The FDECI approach facilitated the development of a more robust and user-centered intervention.