Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy V1 Research Articles

Physical activity maintenance in colorectal cancer survivors after an exercise intervention applying behaviour change techniques: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the long-term effect of combined physical activity (PA) and behaviour change techniques (BCT) interventions in PA maintenance of colorectal cancer survivors (CRCS) and identify the most frequent BCT implemented in them. PRISMA recommendations were followed. Databases were searched for randomized controlled trials up to October 2023. Studies in which CRCS completed a PA intervention based on any Theoretical Model of Behaviour Change (TMBC) and a subsequent follow-up period were included. Between-group differences at baseline and after follow-up were pooled for meta-analysis. BCT codification was performed using the BCT taxonomy v1. Methodological quality and evidence certainty were also assessed. Five studies involving 906 CRCS met the inclusion criteria. PA interventions applying BCT showed a significant change with a small positive effect (pooled SMD = 0.22 (0.09, 0.35)) on the PA after a follow-up period between 3 and 12months. Twenty-two different BCTs were identified (mean 17.2, range 15-19) of which 12 were common across all interventions. PA and BCT interventions have been found to be effective in improving the long-term maintenance of PA in CRCS. Further studies with higher methodological quality are needed to confirm these findings. Aerobic exercise, pedometers, PA diaries and educational materials seem to be important aspects to achieve sustainable adherence to an active lifestyle over time. Supervision, access to fitness areas and applying some BCT appear to be differentiating features to obtain more successful PA maintenance.

Translating the behaviour change technique taxonomy version 1 into Spanish: Methodology and validation

Background Precise and unequivocal specification of intervention content is key to facilitating the accumulation and implementation of knowledge. The Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy v1 (BCTTv1) is the most widely used classification of behaviour change techniques (BCTs), providing a shared, standardized vocabulary to identify the active ingredients of behavioural interventions. However, the BCTTv1 is only available in English and this hampers its broad use and adoption. The aim of the present article is to report the process of translation of the BCTTv1 into Spanish. Methods A bilingual team led the translation of the BCTTv1, involving seven iterative steps: (i) establish a Committee, (ii) forward translation from English to Spanish, (iii) back translation from Spanish to English, (iv) comparison of original BCTTv1 and back translation, (v) opportunistic comparison against an independent BCTTv1 translation, (vi) empirical testing, and (vii) final Committee review. Results Changes as a result of the translation process included relabelling BCTs, amending definitions, and fixing conceptual and grammatical inconsistencies, yielding the final version. Very satisfactory inter-coder reliability in BCT identification was observed as part of the empirical testing (i.e., prevalence and bias-adjusted kappa scores > 0.8). Conclusions This work provides the Spanish-speaking population with a rigorous and validated BCTTv1 translation which can be used in both research and practice to provide a greater level of intervention detail for evidence synthesis, comparison, and replication of behaviour change interventions. The translation process described here may prove helpful to guide future translation efforts in behavioural science and beyond.

The Behaviour Change Technique Ontology: Transforming the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy v1

Background The Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy v1 (BCTTv1) specifies the potentially active content of behaviour change interventions. Evaluation of BCTTv1 showed the need to extend it into a formal ontology, improve its labels and definitions, add BCTs and subdivide existing BCTs. We aimed to develop a Behaviour Change Technique Ontology (BCTO) that would meet these needs. Methods The BCTO was developed by: (1) collating and synthesising feedback from multiple sources; (2) extracting information from published studies and classification systems; (3) multiple iterations of reviewing and refining entities, and their labels, definitions and relationships; (4) refining the ontology via expert stakeholder review of its comprehensiveness and clarity; (5) testing whether researchers could reliably apply the ontology to identify BCTs in intervention reports; and (6) making it available online and creating a computer-readable version. Results Initially there were 282 proposed changes to BCTTv1. Following first-round review, 19 BCTs were split into two or more BCTs, 27 new BCTs were added and 26 BCTs were moved into a different group, giving 161 BCTs hierarchically organised into 12 logically defined higher-level groups in up to five hierarchical levels. Following expert stakeholder review, the refined ontology had 247 BCTs hierarchically organised into 20 higher-level groups. Independent annotations of intervention evaluation reports by researchers familiar and unfamiliar with the ontology resulted in good levels of inter-rater reliability (0.82 and 0.79, respectively). Following revision informed by this exercise, 34 BCTs were added, resulting in the first published version of the BCTO containing 281 BCTs organised into 20 higher-level groups over five hierarchical levels. Discussion The BCTO provides a standard terminology and comprehensive classification system for the content of behaviour change interventions that can be reliably used to describe interventions. The development and maintenance of an ontology is an iterative and ongoing process; no ontology is ever ‘finished’. The BCTO will continue to evolve and grow (e.g. new BCTs or improved definitions) as a result of user feedback and new available evidence.

Mapping the potential of meal kits to influence parental food literacy: an application of behaviour change frameworks

Cooking at home and eating together provide opportunities to improve family nutrition and promote healthy dietary habits. Commercial meal kit subscription services (MKSSs) (e.g. HelloFresh™, Marley Spoon™, EveryPlate™) may support parents to overcome obstacles to family meal provisioning and facilitate food literacy development. A gap exists in our understanding of how and why meal kits may elicit behaviour change, and opportunities to increase their behaviour change capability. This study aimed to examine the theoretical potential of Australian MKSSs to promote parental food literacy using the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW)(1) and associated Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF)(1) and Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy v1 (BCTTv1)(2). A one-week subscription was purchased for all Australian-based MKSSs (n = 9) and key meal kit components (subscription and meal planning features, meal kit delivery and website content) were coded using the retrospective application of these behaviour change frameworks. Parental food literacy-related behaviours were informed by a Food Literacy framework(3). Identified BCTs were mapped to the TDF using the Theory and Techniques Tool to identify theoretical mechanisms of action. The key meal kit components identified mapped to eight of the nine BCW intervention functions. These components primarily served the functions of enablement and environmental restructuring to support cooking at home. Thirty-five of the 93 possible BCTs were identified across the nine MKSSs reviewed, ranging from 19 to 29 BCTs per company, and linked to 13 of the 14 TDF domains. The most frequently identified mechanisms of action (TDF) targeted changes in motivation (n = 27) and capability (n = 19) to influence parental food literacy. Australian-based MKSSs incorporate a wide range of BCTs that target mechanisms of action associated with food literacy-related behaviours. These findings provide a strong theoretical evidence-base for the potential of commercial MKSSs to enhance parental food literacy. However, the extent to which these services may influence behaviour change or impact family food intakes is currently unknown. Therefore further research is required to evaluate the healthfulness and effectiveness of MKSSs.

Translating the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy v.1 to other languages: the approach used in European Portuguese (BCTTv1-PT).

The Behaviour Change Techniques Taxonomy v1 (BCTTv1) is the most widely used classification of behaviour change techniques (BCTs), contributing to the accurate report and evaluation of behaviour change interventions and accumulation of evidence. This study reports a structured approach to adapt the BCTTv1 into European Portuguese (BCTTv1-PT). A collaborative and iterative approach was used. The translation process encompassed four phases: (1) independent forward translation by two native Portuguese speakers proficient in English, (2) forward translation reconciliation, (3) expert consultation by involving seven experts in behaviour change to collect feedback on the draft version of the taxonomy through a structured online form; and (4) feedback analysis and improvement of the BCTTv1-PT. Independent forward translations and a reconciled version of the BCTTv1-PT were produced. All experts agreed with the groupings designation (100%). Recommendations were made to improve BCTs labels, definitions and/or examples in all groupings, except for Feedback and monitoring. Experts disagreed with the translated definitions in 40.9% of the BCTs (38/93), with examples in 21.5% (20/93) and with labels in 11.8% (11/93). Recommendations were made for all instances where there was disagreement (n = 69) and were enacted entirety, yielding the final version (BCTTv1-PT). Researchers, educators, students and health and other professionals will be able to standardise terminology and have a common language, contributing to the impact of the BCTTv1-PT. This study presents a systematic and rigorous approach for the adaptation of the BCTTv1 and similar taxonomies, which may guide others.

Using Behaviour Change Techniques to characterize patient educational interventions in tertiary individual prevention of work-related skin diseases.

Tertiary Individual Prevention is an interprofessional inpatient rehabilitation programme offered to workers affected by work-related skin diseases. Health educational interventions aiming at changing skin protection behaviour are a pivotal component of the programme. This paper aims at characterizing the content of the educational interventions of the interprofessional inpatient rehabilitation programme and at reporting the mechanisms and functions for behaviour change. We retrospectively analysed existing health educational interventions with document analyses and field observations. The intervention was described using the Template of Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR). For the intervention content, the Behaviour Change Technique (BCT) Taxonomy (v1) was applied. To characterize the intervention in detail, the BCTs were then mapped to the intervention functions, the COM-B model (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation) and the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) from the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW). The health educational interventions consist of seven components. Five are delivered in a group and two as tailored face-to-face counselling. We identified 23 BCTs in 10 groups. The most common used BCTs are "instruction on how to perform skin protection behaviour," "salience of consequences," "information about skin health," and "demonstration of skin protection behaviour." To initiate the process of behaviour change in skin protection behaviour by the individuals, changes are required in all three behavioural sources (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation) and primarily in the theoretical constructs "behavioural regulation," "skills," and "beliefs about consequences." For this purpose, the five intervention functions "enablement," "training," "education," "modelling," and "persuasion" are used. Health educational interventions to change skin protection behaviour consists of different BCTs, mechanisms of change and intervention functions. This work helps to better understand the mechanisms and means of behaviour change and enables replication in other settings. In the future, the intervention programme should be extended to include BCTs addressing domains for behaviour changes which have not yet been included to maintain the new behaviour in the long-term. Finally, we recommend to report more elements of the rehabilitation programme (e.g. psychological interventions) in a standardized manner by frameworks used in this paper.

Physical activity interventions to improve mental health and wellbeing in university students in the UK: A service mapping study

Background and aimsStudent mental health is of increasing concern: over a quarter of UK students report a mental health issue, and reactive support services cannot cope with increasing demand. Physical activity (PA) is associated with improved mental health in higher education settings. Universities are well placed to offer PA to promote students’ mental health and wellbeing. This study represents the first attempt to establish how many UK universities offer PA-based interventions to improve mental health and wellbeing of students, and what these interventions entail. We sought to identify, and code the characteristics of, interventions regarding how to encourage regular PA. MethodsAll UK universities were contacted and asked to report PA provisions available to students. We extracted key information from intervention descriptions, including using the Behaviour Change Technique (BCT) Taxonomy v1, to characterise component behaviour change strategies. ResultsOf 143 public UK universities identified, 125 (87%) responded to our request. Of these, only 45 (36%) universities had PA provisions in place, with a total of 54 interventions available across the country, each delivered for between 6 and 12 weeks. Most interventions were tailored (82%) and used BCTs focused on instructing students on how to perform physical activity (61%), restructuring the environment to facilitate activity (54%), and behavioural goal setting (46%). ConclusionsOnly a minority of UK universities offer PA interventions to students. These offerings focus on enhancing students' capabilities and giving greater opportunities for PA. Universities should consider offering greater PA provision to students, and address students’ motivation to engage in PA.

Understanding how self-management education and support programmes for type 2 diabetes are expected to change behaviour: A document analysis of two programmes.

Attendance at diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) programmes for type 2 diabetes is associated with positive outcomes, but the impact on some outcomes is inconsistent and tends to decline over time. Understanding the active ingredients of effective programmes is essential to optimise their effectiveness. This study aimed to (1) retrospectively identify behaviour change techniques (BCTs), mechanisms of action (MoAs) and intervention functions in two DSMES programmes, the Community-Oriented Diabetes Education and the Diabetes Education and Self-Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed and (2) examine variation in content between programmes. A multiple case study approach, including a documentary analysis of the programme materials, was conducted. Materials were coded using the BCT Taxonomy v1, the Mode of Delivery Ontology v1 and the Intervention Source Ontology v1. The Behaviour Change Wheel guidance and the Theory and Techniques tool were used to identify intervention functions and MoAs. Programme stakeholders provided feedback on the findings. Thirty-four BCTs were identified across the programmes, with 22 common to both. The identified BCTs were frequently related to 'goals and planning', 'feedback and monitoring' and 'natural consequences'. BCTs were linked with 15 MoAs, predominantly related to reflective motivation ('beliefs about capabilities' and 'beliefs about consequences') and psychological capability ('knowledge'). BCTs served six intervention functions, most frequently 'education', 'enablement' and 'persuasion'. Although both programmes included several BCTs, some BCTs were rarely or never used. Additional BCTs could be considered to potentially enhance effectiveness by addressing a wider range of barriers.

The Behaviour Change Technique Ontology: Transforming the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy v1.

The Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy v1 (BCTTv1) specifies the potentially active content of behaviour change interventions. Evaluation of BCTTv1 showed the need to extend it into a formal ontology, improve its labels and definitions, add BCTs and subdivide existing BCTs. We aimed to develop a Behaviour Change Technique Ontology (BCTO) that would meet these needs. The BCTO was developed by: (1) collating and synthesising feedback from multiple sources; (2) extracting information from published studies and classification systems; (3) multiple iterations of reviewing and refining entities, and their labels, definitions and relationships; (4) refining the ontology via expert stakeholder review of its comprehensiveness and clarity; (5) testing whether researchers could reliably apply the ontology to identify BCTs in intervention reports; and (6) making it available online and creating a computer-readable version. Initially there were 282 proposed changes to BCTTv1. Following first-round review, 19 BCTs were split into two or more BCTs, 27 new BCTs were added and 26 BCTs were moved into a different group, giving 161 BCTs hierarchically organised into 12 logically defined higher-level groups in up to five hierarchical levels. Following expert stakeholder review, the refined ontology had 247 BCTs hierarchically organised into 20 higher-level groups. Independent annotations of intervention evaluation reports by researchers familiar and unfamiliar with the ontology resulted in good levels of inter-rater reliability (0.82 and 0.79, respectively). Following revision informed by this exercise, 34 BCTs were added, resulting in the first published version of the BCTO containing 281 BCTs organised into 20 higher-level groups over five hierarchical levels. The BCTO provides a standard terminology and comprehensive classification system for the content of behaviour change interventions that can be reliably used to describe interventions. The development and maintenance of an ontology is an iterative and ongoing process; no ontology is ever 'finished'. The BCTO will continue to evolve and grow (e.g. new BCTs or improved definitions) as a result of user feedback and new available evidence.

Psychological interventions for improving adherence to inhaled therapies in people with cystic fibrosis.

Psychological interventions for improving adherence to inhaled therapies in people with cystic fibrosis.

Self-help interventions for persistent physical symptoms: a systematic review of behaviour change components and their potential effects

ABSTRACT Persistent physical symptoms (PPS) remain a challenge in the healthcare system due to time-constrained consultations, uncertainty and limited specialised care capacity. Self-help interventions may be a cost-effective way to widen the access to treatment. As a foundation for future interventions, we aimed to describe intervention components and their potential effects in self-help interventions for PPS. A systematic literature search was made in PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CENTRAL. Fifty-one randomised controlled trials were included. Interventions were coded for effect on outcomes (standardised mean difference ≥0.2) related to symptom burden, anxiety, depression, quality of life, healthcare utilisation and sickness absence. The Behaviour Change Technique (BCT) Taxonomy v1 was used to code intervention components. An index of potential was calculated for each BCT within an outcome category. Each BCT was assessed as ‘potentially effective’ or ‘not effective’ based on a two-sided test for binomial random variables. Sixteen BCTs showed potential effect as treatment components. These BCTs represented the themes: goals and planning, feedback and monitoring, shaping knowledge, natural consequences, comparison of behaviour, associations, repetition and substitution, regulation, antecedents and identity. The results suggest that specific BCTs should be included in new PPS self-help interventions aiming to improve the patients’ physical and mental health.

Behaviour change techniques taxonomy v1: Feedback to inform the development of an ontology.

Background: To build cumulative evidence about what works in behaviour change interventions, efforts have been made to develop classification systems for specifying the content of interventions. The Behaviour Change Techniques (BCT) Taxonomy v1 (BCTTv1) is one of the most widely used classifications of behaviour change techniques across a variety of behaviours. The BCTTv1 was intentionally named version 1 to allow for further revisions to the taxonomy. This study aimed to gather data to improve the BCTTv1 and provide recommendations for developing it into a more elaborated knowledge structure, an ontology. Methods: Feedback from users of BCTTv1 about limitations and proposed improvements was collected through the BCT website, user survey, researchers and experts involved in the Human Behaviour-Change Project, and a consultation. In addition, relevant published research reports and other classification systems of BCTs were analysed. These data were synthesised to produce recommendations to inform the development of an ontology of BCTs. Results: A total of 282 comments from six sources were reviewed and synthesised into four categories of suggestions: additional BCTs, amendments to labels and definitions of specific BCTs, amendments to the groupings, and general improvements. Feedback suggested some lack of clarity regarding understanding and identifying techniques from labels, definitions, and examples; distinctions and relations between BCTs; and knowing what they would look like in practice. Three recommendations to improve the BCTTv1 resulted from this analysis: to review the label and definition of each BCT, the 16 groupings of BCTs, and the examples illustrating BCTs. Conclusions : This review of feedback about BCTTv1 identified the need to improve the precision and knowledge structure of the current taxonomy. A BCT ontology would enable the specification of relationships between BCTs, more precise definitions, and allow better interoperability with other ontologies. This ontology will be developed as part of the Human Behaviour-Change Project.

Older adults as designers of behavior change strategies to increase physical activity-Report of a participatory design process.

Despite the significant value of physical activity for the health of older adults, this population often fails to achieve recommended activity levels. Digital interventions show promise in providing support for self-managed physical activity. However, more information is needed about older adults' preferences for digital support to change physical activity behaviors as well as the process of designing them. The aim of this paper was to describe the participatory design process in which older adults were involved in the co-creation of digitally supported behavioral change strategies to support self-managed physical activity, and how the results were integrated in a prototype. The participatory design process involved with nine older adults and two researchers. The participants were divided in two groups, and each group participated in three workshops and completed home tasks in between workshops. Following an iterative design process influenced by theories of behavior change, the workshops and home tasks were continuously analyzed, and the content and process were developed between groups and the next set of workshops. Prototypes of a mobile health (mHealth) solution for fall preventive exercise for older adults were developed in which the conceptualized strategies were integrated. To support coherence in reporting and evaluation, the developed techniques were mapped to the Behavior Change Technique Taxonomy v1 and the basic human psychosocial needs according to the Self-determination Theory. The results highlight different preferences of older adults for feedback on physical activity performance, as well as the importance of transparency regarding the identification of the sender of feedback. Preferences for content and wording of feedback varied greatly. Subsequently, the design process resulted in a virtual health coach with three different motivational profiles and tools for goal setting and self-monitoring. These behavior change strategies were integrated in the exercise application Safe Step v1. The conformity of the design concepts with the needs of Self-determination Theory and Behavior Change Technique Taxonomy v1 are presented. The participatory design process exemplifies how older adults successfully contributed to the design of theory-based digital behavior change support, from idea to finished solution. Tailoring feedback with a transparent sender is important to support and not undermine motivation.

Exploring the contextual factors, behaviour change techniques, barriers and facilitators of interventions to improve oral health in people with severe mental illness: A qualitative study.

People with severe mental illness (SMI) have significantly poorer oral health compared to people without SMI and interventions targetted to improve oral health in this population failed to show any long-term improvement. Interventions are influenced by many contextual factors ranging from individual to systems level. This study aimed to understand the contextual factors, behaviour change techniques of the available oral health interventions and explore the barriers to and facilitators for engagement with these interventions from the perspectives of people with SMI (service users) and related service providers. Intervention details were extracted from 12 intervention studies identified from a previous systematic review using the template for intervention description and replication checklist (TIDieR) and behaviour change techniques (BCTs) were coded using the behaviour change technique taxonomy v1. Sixteen individual BCTs were identified and out of which “4.1 instructions on how to perform the behaviour” (n = 9) and “6.1 demonstration of behaviour” (n = 6) were most frequently used BCTs. Video vignettes prepared from the different intervention components identified from existing studies were shown to service users and service providers in dyadic or one-to-one interview format to elicit their views on barriers and facilitators for engagement with the intervention components. Interviews were analysed using Framework analysis and were guided by theoretical domains framework (TDF); and capability, opportunity and motivation (COM-B) model of behaviour change. Main facilitators identified to increase capability, opportunity and motivation of service users were the involvement of carers/care coordinators and integration of dental and mental health care, provision of oral health/hygiene information/products at an appropriate level and provision of tailored support according to individual needs and preferences. Barriers identified were related to lack of communication skills of the service providers, provision of coordinated care, lack of support in visiting a dentist and navigating the payment system and long follow up times. Appropriate training was considered as a facilitator, and staff turnovers and workload were considered as main barriers by the service providers. The findings suggest that comprehensive interventions that target barriers and enhance facilitators from individual to systems level are needed to improve oral health outcomes of people with SMI.

Behaviour change techniques taxonomy v1: Feedback to inform the development of an ontology

Background: To build cumulative evidence about what works in behaviour change interventions, efforts have been made to develop classification systems for specifying the content of interventions. The Behaviour Change Techniques (BCT) Taxonomy v1 (BCTTv1) is one of the most widely used classifications of behaviour change techniques across a variety of behaviours. The BCTTv1 was intentionally named version 1 to allow for further revisions to the taxonomy. This study aimed to gather data to inform the development of BCTTv1 into a more elaborated knowledge structure, an ontology. Methods: Feedback from users of BCTTv1 about limitations and proposed improvements was collected through the BCT website, a user survey, researchers and experts involved in the Human Behaviour Change Project, and a consultation. In addition, relevant published research reports and other classification systems of BCTs were analysed. These data were synthesised to produce recommendations to inform the development of an ontology of BCTs. Results: A total of 282 comments from six sources were reviewed and synthesised into four categories of suggestions: additional BCTs, amendments to labels and definitions of specific BCTs, amendments to the groupings, and general improvements. Feedback suggested some lack of clarity regarding understanding and identifying techniques from labels, definitions, and examples; distinctions and relations between BCTs; and knowing what they would look like in practice. Three recommendations resulted from this analysis: to review the label and definition of each BCT, the 16 groupings of BCTs, and the examples illustrating BCTs. Conclusions: This review of feedback about BCTTv1 identified the need to improve the precision and knowledge structure of the current taxonomy. A BCT ontology would enable the specification of relationships between BCTs, more precise definitions, and allow better interoperability with other ontologies. This ontology will be developed as part of the Human Behaviour Change Project.

Evidence Into Practice: Journal Clubs as an Implementation Strategy

Evidence Into Practice: Journal Clubs as an Implementation Strategy

A protocol for a systematic review of behaviour change techniques used in the context of stillbirth prevention.

Background: Stillbirth is a devastating pregnancy outcome that affects approximately 3.5 per 1000 births in high-income countries. Previous research has highlighted the importance of focusing prevention efforts on targeting risk factors and vulnerable groups. A wide range of risk factors has been associated with stillbirth before, including maternal behaviours such as back sleep position, smoking, alcohol intake, illicit drug use, and inadequate attendance at antenatal care. Given the modifiable nature of these risk factors, there has been an increase in the design of behaviour change interventions targeting such behaviours to reduce the risk of stillbirth. Objectives: The aim of this study is to identify all behavioural interventions with a behavioural component designed and trialled for the prevention of stillbirth in high-income countries, and to identify the behaviour change techniques (BCTs) used in such interventions using the Behaviour Change Techniques Taxonomy V1 (BCTTv1). Inclusion criteria: Interventions will be included in this review if they (1) have the objective of reducing stillbirth rates with a focus on behavioural risk factors; (2) are implemented in high-income countries; (3) target pregnant women or women of childbearing age; and (4) are published in research articles. Methods: A systematic search of the literature will be conducted. The results of the search will be screened against our inclusion criteria by two authors. The following data items will be extracted from the selected papers: general information, study characteristics, participant and intervention/approach details. The Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care (EPOC) risk of bias criteria will be used to assess the methodological quality of included studies. Intervention content will be coded for BCTs as present (+) or absent (-) by two authors using the BCTTv1, discrepancies will be discussed with a third author. A narrative synthesis approach will be used to present the results of this systematic review.

The active ingredients of physical activity and / or dietary workplace-based interventions to achieve weight loss in overweight and obese healthcare staff: a systematic review.

This systematic review aims to synthesize the active ingredients, and identify a list of promising behaviour change techniques (BCTs), likely to be present within physical activity and / or dietary interventions in achieving weight loss in overweight and obese healthcare staff. Four electronic databases were searched in February 2021: PsychINFO, CINAHL, PubMed and MEDLINE (no start date-2021). Studies were eligible for inclusion if they: (1) described a quasi-experimental or cluster, cohort or randomised control trial; (2) implemented workplace-based physical activity and / or dietary interventions versus a less intensive intervention or usual care; (3) targeted predominantly (> 50% of participants) overweight or obese healthcare professionals; and (4) reported a weight loss related outcome and included data on that outcome at least 3months after the intervention began. Three reviewers used the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy v1 to extract BCTs with the aim of identifying a list of "promising" BCTs, which were those that were present in interventions that reported a statistically significant difference in weight loss. Nine studies were included in the review. The majority (n = 7) reported a significant reduction in weight post-intervention. A combined physical activity and dietary intervention (n = 8) was the most common type of intervention. Twenty-five BCTs were identified as "promising". Instruction on how to perform the behaviour (n = 9), behaviour practice/rehearsal (n = 8) and self-monitoring of behaviour (n = 6) were the most promising BCTs. The contents of behaviour change interventions are complex and rely on accurate reporting of intervention components and BCTs to allow concrete and robust assumptions to be made regarding which factors are most effective at achieving a desired outcome. Fundamentally the lack of research exploring the effectiveness of physical activity and dietary interventions on weight loss in overweight and obese healthcare staff and the poor quality of existing research, warrant more investigation.

Influencing medication taking behaviors using automated two-way digital communication: A narrative synthesis systematic review informed by the Behavior Change Wheel.

PurposeAround half of prescribed medications for long‐term conditions are not taken as directed. Automated two‐way digital communication, such as text messaging and interactive voice response technology, could deliver interventions to improve medication adherence, and subsequently health. However, exploration of how such interventions may improve medication adherence is limited. This review aimed to explore how automated two‐way digital communication can improve medication taking with or without using non‐digital intervention components, such as phone calls with healthcare professionals.MethodsA theory‐informed narrative synthesis systematic review. Several databases were searched including CINAHL, Embase, Medline, and Web of Science using key words relating to ‘medication adherence’ and digital communication technologies. The Behavior Change Technique (BCT) coding using the BCT Taxonomy V1 and the Behavior Change Wheel were used to identify BCTs delivered within the included interventions.ResultsA total of 3,018 records were screened with 43 study reports included in the review. Four medication‐taking behaviors: taking medication, obtaining medication, self‐testing, and asking for support were identified as targets for behavior change within the included interventions. Most BCTs within the digital communication component aimed to increase motivation for medication adherence, with non‐digital intervention components included to address other medication taking barriers, such as physical and psychological capability.ConclusionAutomated two‐way digital communication can detect barriers to medication adherence by monitoring performance of the taking medication behavior. Monitoring outcomes from taking medication may increase reflective motivation to take medicines. Addressing physical opportunity to taking medication by facilitating the behavior obtaining medication may also increase adherence.

The effectiveness of behaviour change interventions delivered by non-dental health workers in promoting children's oral health: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

ObjectivesDental caries is the most common preventable childhood condition. Non-dental professionals and health workers are often well placed to support parents in adopting positive oral health behaviours for their children. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of behaviour change interventions and their individual component behaviour change techniques (BCTs), that were delivered by non-dental professionals and health workers.MethodsA systematic search of Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, TRoPHI and PROQUEST from inception until March 2021 was conducted. Randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies for improving oral health outcomes in children were included. Quality assessment was carried out using Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and ROBINS-I tool. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger’s regression intercept. Effect sizes were estimated as standardised mean difference (SMD) and odds ratio/risk ratio for proportions. Meta-analyses were performed for studies reporting mean decayed, missing, filled surfaces (dmfs) and mean decayed, missing, filled, teeth (dmft) indices. Behaviour change technique coding was performed using behaviour change technique taxonomy v1 (BCTTv1).ResultsOut of the 9,101 records retrieved, 36 studies were included with 28 showing a significant effect either in clinical and/or behavioural/knowledge outcomes. Most studies (n = 21) were of poor methodological quality. The pooled SMD for caries experience showed statistically significant result for caries prevention at surface level -0.15 (95% CI -0.25, -0.04) and at the tooth level -0.24 (95% CI -0.42, -0.07). In 28 effective interventions, 27 individual BCTs were identified and the most frequently used were: “Instructions on how to perform the behaviour” and “Information about health consequences”.ConclusionThere is low quality of evidence suggesting non-dental professionals and health workers may help improve oral health outcomes for children. To confirm these findings, further high-quality studies incorporating a variety of BCTs in their interventions for adoption of good oral health behaviours are needed.