Health Psychology, 2nd Edition

(unwanted) behaviour patterns and/or are capable of generating new (wanted)
behaviour patterns are identified. This allows identification of change techniques that
have been found to alter those identified regulatory processes (2–4 in Table 9.1). Fourth,
having identified evidence-based techniques relevant to the intervention’s behaviour
change objectives, practical ways of delivering these techniques are developed and
assembly of the intervention can begin (4–7 in Table 9.1). Fifth, implementation
planning involves anticipating how the intervention will be used or delivered in everyday
contexts (7–11 in Table 9.1). For example, is the intervention attractive, acceptable,
practical and sustainable? The final stage is evaluation (11 and 12 in Table 9.1). Does
the intervention change the specified behaviours in context? Tortolero et al.(2005) and
Lloyd, Wyatt and Creanor (2012) describe how the intervention mapping approach can
facilitate systematic intervention design and planning.
A needs assessment involves identifying the health problem and behaviour patterns
exacerbating that problem. This usually involves consulting or undertaking literature
reviews and holding discussions with stakeholders. In some cases a needs assessment
may reveal that intervention is not necessary or feasible, that dissemination of best
practice/usual care is the optimal response. A thorough needs assessment can avoid
wasting time and resources on unnecessary or ineffectual intervention development.

CHANGING BEHAVIOUR 191

Needs

assessment

Processes and

techniques

Intervention

assembly

Adoption and

implementation

Evaluation

planning

Intervention

objectives

FIGURE 9.1The intervention mapping approach to behaviour change intervention design.

Source: Bartholomew et al., 2011.