Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 17, 2026

Automated Interactive Video Playback for Studies of Animal Communication
Published on: February 9, 2011
Using the behaviour change wheel framework to develop a rule-based chatbot to support varenicline adherence for
Nadia Minian1,2,3,4,5, Kamna Mehra1, Jonathan Rose1,6
1INTREPID Lab, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Introduction:
Varenicline is one of the most effective smoking cessation medications; however, non-adherence remains a significant barrier to successful quitting. Conversational agents have the potential to support medication adherence in home and community settings. However, generative AI models pose risks due to hallucinations, making them less reliable for this purpose. Rule-based chatbots provide a more transparent, theory-driven approach to patient support. Thus, we developed ChatV, a rule based chatbot grounded in the Behaviour Change Wheel framework, to enhance varenicline adherence.
Methods:
ChatV was developed using a three-step process. First, we identified core determinants of varenicline adherence through a rapid review and qualitative interviews with healthcare providers and patients using the Theoretical Domains Framework. Second, we identified the intervention options through group discussions. Third, we identified intervention components using Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs) Taxonomy v1. We applied the Acceptability, Practicability, Effectiveness, Affordability, Safety, and Equity (APEASE) criteria to determine the final intervention components.
Results:
We identified 11 key domains relevant to behaviour change, including knowledge, beliefs about capabilities and consequences, memory, attention and decision-making processes, reinforcement, intentions, goals, social influences, environmental context and resources, behaviour regulation, and skill. Applying the APEASE criteria, we refined these to nine theoretical domains and identified 21 BCTs as core components of ChatV.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrates a structured, theory-informed approach to chatbot development for medication adherence. By integrating evidence-based behaviour change principles with practical considerations, ChatV offers a model for designing rule-based conversational agents in healthcare.
Related Concept Videos
Behavior Modification
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
Behavior Therapy
Exposure therapy is a cornerstone of behavioral treatment for anxiety disorders. It involves systematic exposure to feared stimuli, either in real...
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
Behaviorism
The core premise of behaviorism is its focus on observable behavior rather than internal thoughts or feelings. This approach argues that true scientific...
Drug Dependence
What is Behavior?
