Producing effective interventions depends on careful, systematic design. A number
of useful frameworks have been developed to support intervention design (e.g. Craig
et al., 2008; Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012). In this chapter we
focus on the intervention mapping approach (IM) (Bartholomew et al., 2011; http://www.
interventionmapping.com) because it provides a comprehensive and practical guide
to optimal design and evaluation procedures.
Table 9.1 lists 12 broadly defined characteristics of any behaviour change inter -
vention. This list is adapted from a similar table presented by Davidson et al.(2003)
and provides a useful checklist for intervention designers. The characteristics are listed
in the order they are usually considered in the IM process. Consideration of these
characteristics clarifies at a glance why planning stages in intervention design must
be inter-linked and iterative. For example, if those who need to deliver the inter-
vention do not have the skills to do so or if the proposed delivery methods are
unacceptable in the intended setting, then a rethink of the planning process is needed.
Similarly, an evidence-based intervention that cannot be sustained in context over time
due to a lack of resources will not have ongoing real-world impact and so is unlikely
to contribute to public health improvement (Glasgow et al., 2002). Without
anticipation of implementation in early planning, interventions may not be adopted
or may be partially delivered and so be ineffective.
Figure 9.1 summarizes the six design stages constituting IM and is derived from a
more detailed model presented by Bartholomew and colleagues. First a needs assessment
determines what (if anything) needs to be changed for whom. Second, primary and
secondary intervention objectives are defined. This involves specifying precisely
the behaviour changes participants will be expected to make (1 in Table 9.1). Third,
identification of underlying regulatory processes or mechanisms that maintain current
190 MOTIVATION AND BEHAVIOUR
TABLE 9.112 broad characteristics of behaviour change interventions
1 Specific behaviour change/s targeted
2 Modifiable processes (or mechanisms) operating at different levels that regulate relevant
behaviour patterns
3 Change techniques known to alter identified regulatory process/mechanisms
4 The delivery methods or formats used (e.g. face-to-face meetings, telephone calls,
interactive online programmes, leaflet distribution, etc.)
5 Intervention components, that is, the collection of materials and methods employed
6 The setting in which the intervention will be delivered (e.g. worksite, school, etc.)
7 The fit between intervention components and the cultural and practical context in which
it will be used
8 Characteristics, qualifications and training of those delivering the intervention (e.g.
relationship to recipients, skill bases, etc.)
9 Intensity (e.g. contact time in each session)10 Duration (e.g. number of sessions and overall period of intervention)
11 Fidelity of delivery (e.g. were lessons/meetings delivered as designed)
12 Evaluation, including outcome, process and economic evaluations