Support Behavior Change Research Articles

Telemedicine-based inspiratory muscle training and walking promotion with lung cancer survivors following curative intent therapy: a parallel-group pilot randomized trial

PurposeFollowing curative-intent therapy of lung cancer, many survivors experience dyspnea and physical inactivity. We investigated the feasibility, acceptability, safety, and potential efficacy of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and walking promotion to disrupt a postulated “dyspnea-inactivity” spiral.MethodsBetween January and December 2022, we recruited lung cancer survivors from Kaiser Permanente Colorado who completed curative-intent therapy within 1–6 months into a phase-IIb, parallel-group, pilot randomized trial (1:1 allocation). The 12-week intervention, delivered via telemedicine, consisted of exercise training (IMT + walking), education, and behavior change support. Control participants received educational materials on general exercise. We determined feasibility a priori: enrollment of ≥ 20% eligible patients, ≥ 75% retention, study measure completion, and adherence. We assessed acceptability using the Telemedicine-Satisfaction-and-Usefulness-Questionnaire and safety events that included emergency department visits or hospitalizations. Patient-centered outcome measures (PCOMs) included dyspnea (University-of-California-San-Diego-Shortness-of-Breath-Questionnaire), physical activity (activPAL™ steps/day), functional exercise capacity (mobile-based-six-minute-walk-test), and health-related quality of life (HRQL, St.-George’s-Respiratory-Questionnaire). We used linear mixed-effects models to assess potential efficacy.ResultsWe screened 751 patients, identified 124 eligible, and consented 31 (25%) participants. Among 28 participants randomized (14/group), 22 (11/group) completed the study (79% retention). Intervention participants returned > 90% of self-reported activity logs, completed > 90% of PCOMs, and attended > 90% of tele-visits; 75% of participants performed IMT at the recommended dose. Participants had high satisfaction with tele-visits and found the intervention useful. There was no statistically significant difference in safety events between groups. Compared to control participants from baseline to follow-up, intervention participants had statistically significant and clinically meaningful improved HRQL (SGRQ total, symptom, and impact scores) (standardized effect size: -1.03 to -1.30).ConclusionsAmong lung cancer survivors following curative-intent therapy, telemedicine-based IMT + walking was feasible, acceptable, safe, and had potential to disrupt the “dyspnea-inactivity” spiral. Future efficacy/effectiveness trials are warranted and should incorporate IMT and walking promotion to improve HRQL.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05059132.

The NHS Health Check programme: a survey of programme delivery in England before and after the Covid-19 pandemic response.

This study investigated NHS Health Check programme delivery before and after the Covid-19 pandemic response, with a focus on support services and referral methods available to Health Check attendees. The NHS Health Check is an important part of England's Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) prevention programme. Public health commissioners from all 151 local authorities responsible for commissioning the NHS Health Check programme were surveyed in 2021, using an online questionnaire to capture detail about programme delivery, changes in delivery because of the pandemic response, and monitoring of programme outcomes. Four-point rating scales were used to obtain level of confidence in capacity, accessibility and usage of follow-on support services for Health Check attendees. A typology of programme delivery was developed, and associations between delivery categories and a range of relevant variables were assessed using one-way analysis of variance. Sixty-eight responses were received on behalf of 74 (of 151) local authorities (49%), across all geographical regions. Our findings suggest a basic typology of delivery, though with considerable variation in who is providing the Checks, where and how, and with continued changes prompted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Support for risk management is highly varied with notable gaps in some areas. Local authorities using a model of delivery that includes community venues tended to have a higher number of services to support behaviour change following the Check, and greater confidence in the accessibility and usage of these services. A minority of local authorities gather data on referrals for Health Check attendees, or on outcomes of referrals. The Covid-19 pandemic has prompted continued changes in delivery, which are likely to influence patient experience and outcomes; these need careful evaluation. The programme's delivery and commissioners' intentions to follow through risk communication with appropriate support is challenged by the complexity of the commissioning landscape.

Long-Term Results of a Digital Hypertension Self-Management Program: Retrospective Cohort Study.

Digital health programs that incorporate frequent blood pressure (BP) self-monitoring and support for behavior change offer a scalable solution for hypertension management. We examined the impact of a digital hypertension self-management and lifestyle change support program on BP over 12 months. Data were analyzed from a retrospective observational cohort of commercially insured members (n=1117) that started the Omada for Hypertension program between January 1, 2019, and September 30, 2021. Paired t tests and linear regression were used to measure the changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP) over 12 months overall and by SBP control status at baseline (≥130 mm Hg vs <130 mm Hg). Members were on average 50.9 years old, 50.8% (n=567) of them were female, 60.5% (n=675) of them were White, and 70.5% (n=788) of them had uncontrolled SBP at baseline (≥130 mm Hg). At 12 months, all members (including members with controlled and uncontrolled BP at baseline) and those with uncontrolled SBP at baseline experienced significant mean reductions in SBP (mean -4.8 mm Hg, 95% CI -5.6 to -4.0; -8.1 mm Hg, 95% CI -9.0 to -7.1, respectively; both P<.001). Members with uncontrolled SBP at baseline also had significant reductions in diastolic blood pressure (-4.7 mm Hg; 95% CI -5.3 to -4.1), weight (-6.5 lbs, 95% CI -7.7 to -5.3; 2.7% weight loss), and BMI (-1.1 kg/m2; 95% CI -1.3 to -0.9; all P<.001). Those with controlled SBP at baseline maintained within BP goal range. Additionally, 48% (418/860) of members with uncontrolled BP at baseline experienced enough change in BP to improve their BP category. This study provides real-world evidence that a comprehensive digital health program involving hypertension education, at-home BP monitoring, and behavior change coaching support was effective for self-managing hypertension over 12 months.

Correlation between Heart Rate Recovery &amp; Global Longitudinal Strain in Heart Failure Patients Subjected to Cardiac Rehabilitation

Abstract Background Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program designed to improve cardiovascular outcomes after MI, heart failure, angioplasty, or heart surgery. It is a complex intervention that involves a variety of therapies, including supervised exercise training, health education and risk factor modification, behavior change, social and psychological support. Objective To study the correlation between heart rate recovery &amp; global longitudinal strain in heart failure patients subjected to cardiac rehabilitation. Patients and Methods This study was conducted in the cardiac rehabilitation (CR) unit in the cardiology department of Ain Shams University hospital between December 2019 and December 2020 to investigate the correlation between heart rate recovery &amp; global longitudinal strain in heart failure patients subjected to cardiac rehabilitation. Results Our study is the first study that investigated the correlation between HRR and GLS in ischemic heart failure patients subjected to cardiac rehabilitation. Conclusion Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation leads to improvement in the functional capacity of ischemic heart failure patients as reflected by the improvement in HRR and also leads to IMPROVEMENT in LV functions as reflected by the improvement in GLS. Moreover, METs and HR reserve was improved significantly with CR.

Co-creation of a complex, multicomponent rehabilitation intervention and feasibility trial protocol for the PostUraL tachycardia Syndrome Exercise (PULSE) study

BackgroundThere is a dearth of research to support the treatment of people with postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS). Despite expert consensus suggesting exercise is recommended for this patient group, there are no randomised control trials examining this rigorously. The aim was to co-create a feasibility trial protocol and a rehabilitation intervention for people living with PoTS.MethodsThe intervention and feasibility trial design were co-created as part of the PostUraL tachycardia Syndrome Exercise (PULSE) study. We used the ‘three co’s framework’ of co-define, co-design and co-refine. Recruitment included key national charities and National Health Service Trusts treating people living with PoTS in the UK. Eighteen patient and public involvement members attended the co-define session, and 16 co-creators with a mix of expertise attended the subsequent co-design and co-refine sessions. Seven intervention practitioners were trained in the rehabilitation intervention, providing feedback for further co-refinement.ResultsThe final co-created intervention comprises online physical activity, and lifestyle and behaviour change support sessions. It is based on functional movement activities using a patient-centred approach tailored to individual needs. Physical activity intensity is guided by individuals’ perception of effort rather than by objective measures. Recumbent bikes are provided for home use. Patients deemed randomisation to be acceptable because research in this area was considered important.ConclusionsAn innovative approach was used to co-create the PULSE intervention and feasibility trial protocol to meet the evidence-based and logistical needs of people living with PoTS, clinicians, service deliverers, third-sector organisations, academics and funders. This can be used as a successful example and template for future research internationally. People living with PoTS were recognised as experts and involved in every aspect of conceptualisation, design and refinement. This complex rehabilitation intervention is currently being tested in a randomised feasibility trial comparing the PULSE intervention with best-practice usual care for people living with PoTS.Trial registrationISRCTN45323485 was registered on April 7, 2020.

New Antenatal Model in Africa and India (NAMAI) study: implementation research to improve antenatal care using WHO recommendations

BackgroundIn 2020, an estimated 287 000 women died globally from pregnancy‐related causes and 2 million babies were stillborn. Many of these outcomes can be prevented by quality healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth. Within the continuum of maternal health, antenatal care (ANC) is a key moment in terms of contact with the health system, yet it remains an underutilized platform. This paper describes the protocol for a study conducted in collaboration with Ministries of Health and country research partners that aims to employ implementation science to systematically introduce and test the applicability of the adapted WHO ANC package in selected sites across four countries.MethodsStudy design is a mixed methods stepped-wedge cluster randomized implementation trial with a nested cohort component (in India and Burkina Faso). The intervention is composed of two layers: (i) the country- (or state)-specific ANC package, including evidence-based interventions to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes, and (ii) the co-interventions (or implementation strategies) to help delivery and uptake of the adapted ANC package. Using COM-B model, co-interventions support behaviour change among health workers and pregnant women by (1) training health workers on the adapted ANC package and ultrasound (except in India), (2) providing supplies, (3) conducting mentoring and supervision and (4) implementing community mobilization strategies. In Rwanda and Zambia, a fifth strategy includes a digital health intervention. Qualitative data will be gathered from health workers, women and their families, to gauge acceptability of the adapted ANC package and its components, as well as experience of care. The implementation of the adapted ANC package of interventions, and their related costs, will be documented to understand to what extent the co-interventions were performed as intended, allowing for iteration.DiscussionResults from this study aim to build the global evidence base on how to implement quality ANC across different settings and inform pathways to scale, which will ultimately lead to stronger health systems with better maternal and perinatal outcomes. On the basis of the study results, governments will be able to adopt and plan for national scale-up, aiming to improve ANC nationally. This evidence will inform global guidance.Trial registration number: ISRCTN, ISRCTN16610902. Registered 27 May 2022. https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN16610902

Clinical Perspectives on the Development of a Gamified Heart Failure Patient Education Web Site.

Heart failure is a complex, chronic disease that requires self-care to manage, and patients need support and education to perform adequate self-care. Although electronic health interventions to support behavior change and self-care in cardiovascular disease are gaining traction, there is little engaging online education specifically designed for heart failure patients. This paper describes the design and development of a heart failure self-care patient education Web site that integrated gamification, meaning the use of game design elements in a non-game context. We sought feedback on the Web site from a group of heart failure clinicians in a focus group using a semi-structured interview guide, and data were analyzed thematically. Clinician input during the design phase touched on themes such as patients' decision-making in heart failure and older adults' adoption of technology. Clinicians recommended that a narrative gamification technique should reflect real-life dilemmas patients encounter in their self-care. Clinicians also discussed the need to carefully plan reward-based gamification techniques to avoid unintended effects. Overall, a gamified Web site has the potential to support heart failure self-care, but efforts are needed to address the disparity of those with limited computer literacy or access.

Developing evidence-based patient-focused learning materials to support health behaviour change for people living with psoriatic arthritis

ObjectivesIn psoriatic arthritis (PsA), self-management is important for patient function and quality of life. Behaviour change can be difficult, patients could benefit from high-quality support to initiate change. Our aim...

Factors associated with dietary behaviour change support in patients: A qualitative study among community nurses.

To explore which factors, influencing dietary behaviour change support among patients by Dutch community nurses (CNs; nurses), are key focal points in training programmes. Nurses have an important role in counselling patients towards healthier dietary behaviour to prevent or delay long-term complications from chronic lifestyle-related diseases. Most nurses do not incorporate dietary behaviour change support in their routines to the fullest potential. A qualitative descriptive study. Data were collected in the Netherlands in 2018-2019 via semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 18 nurses. Interview guide themes were informed by the COM-B model, using validated descriptions in Dutch. Data were recorded, transcribed and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Factors that affected dietary behaviour change support were linked to (1) the nurse (role identity, dietary knowledge and competences such as methodical approach, behaviour change techniques and communication techniques), (2) nurse-patient encounter (building a relationship with a patient, supporting patient autonomy and tailoring the approach) and (3) cooperation and organizational context. It is of utmost importance to pay attention to nurses' role identity regarding dietary behaviour change support, as this underlies professional behaviour. This should be accompanied by improving competences on dietary behaviour change support. Focus on competences regarding the application of behaviour change technique is crucial. Furthermore, having a relationship of trust with a patient was important for discussing sensitive topics such as diet. The promotion of a healthy diet provides opportunities to contribute to patient autonomy and self-management. Well-fitted training offers for (senior) nurses will lead to improved professional practice of nurses, leading to healthier dietary behaviour of patients. A nurse provided feedback on the interview guide.

Impact of Physical Activity Counselling on Children with Medical Conditions and Disabilities and Their Families.

Physical activity counselling can target cognitive-affective participation barriers, but counselling benefits for children with medical conditions/disabilities were unknown. This study investigated successes, challenges, and the impact of physical activity counselling on children and their families. One-on-one semi-structured interviews were completed with 7 patients (2 male/5 female, aged 13-17) and 4 parents who participated in 2-8 weekly counselling sessions (2015-2020). Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim for inductive thematic analyses. Counselling encouraged positive mindset changes (viewing physical activity more holistically, making it "more fun and manageable", helping them to "learn how to love moving and doing sports"). Participants felt strong support (feeling heard, validated, and provided with "hope… that we can still achieve things… even though it may seem like there's limitations"). Counselling was viewed positively. The intent to improve active lifestyle attitudes and confidence was reflected in positive, primarily cognitive-affective (motivation for activity, "more general skills of having a positive attitude towards physical activity and the willingness to try new things") outcomes. More sessions, additional resources to keep, and follow-up after counselling completion were recommended to support behaviour change. Future research should evaluate enhanced counselling services and comparing children who have and have not received such counselling.

Engaging Adolescent Heart Transplant Recipients Through In-App Messaging During Mobile Health Intervention.

Introduction: Adolescents heart transplant recipients experience difficulty with adherence to immunosuppressive medication leading to increased risk of organ rejection, hospitalization, and mortality. Few interventions have been successful to promote medication adherence in adolescent heart transplant patients as most fail to engage the patient in the behavioral change process and support patient-provider communication. The purpose of this study was to explore the nature and degree of in-app communication between adolescent heart transplant recipients and nursing staff during an asynchronous mobile video directly observed therapy intervention. Methods: A content analysis of 894 in-app messages exchanged between 10 adolescent patients and nurses during a 12-week mobile-based intervention was conducted. Two authors used an inductive, iterative process to guide a thematic analysis of the asynchronous in-app messages with high interrater reliability ranging from 81.5% to 100%. Findings: In-app messages fell under 3 broad content categories: (1) interpersonal support and rapport-building, (2) medically related questions and information, or (3) functional information about the intervention and the mHealth app. Results demonstrated the degree to which interpersonal engagement occurred during the intervention, the nature of these exchanges, and their relationship to medication adherence. Conclusions: The study provided insights into the feasibility and benefits of 2-way communication features of the directly observed therapy intervention in promoting engagement and in improving medication adherence among adolescent heart transplant patients. Continued research and clinical focus on patient engagement and impactful aspects of interpersonal communication could aid in the translation of this intervention into standard clinical care at pediatric transplant centers.

'We just need to find space for them to practice so that we can help to make a stronger society': Perceived barriers and facilitators to employing health psychologists in UK public health and clinical health settings.

In recent years, health psychology has received significant attention within the health sector, due to its application to understanding influences on health and well-being and translation of health psychology into interventions to support behaviour change. The number of health psychologists in public health and healthcare settings is growing but remains limited, and is it unclear why. This study aimed to explore the views of potential and current employers of health psychologists, to elucidate barriers and facilitators of employing health psychologists in healthcare settings. Semi-structured interviews were carried out to explore the experiences of working with and/or employing health psychologists. Opportunities and barriers were explored for increasing access to health psychology expertise in the NHS and public health. Interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Fifteen participants took part in interviews. Participants were mid-senior-level professionals working in varied healthcare settings and/or academic institutions. The majority had experience of health psychology/working with health psychologists, whilst others had limited experience but an interest in employing health psychologists. Three key themes were identified: (1) the organizational fit of health psychologists, (2) perception of competition for roles and (3) ideas for changing hearts, minds and processes. Barriers exist to employing health psychologists in healthcare settings. These barriers include misunderstandings of the role of health psychologists and the need to preserve other disciplines due to perceived competition. Recommendations for change included showcasing the benefits and skills of health psychologists and having transparent conversations with employees and multi-disciplinary colleagues about roles.

Efforts and Changes in Health Aspects to Fulfilling Child Welfare in the Child Correctional Institution

Several studies have shown that physical health problems are more common among children in conflict with the law (CICL) in correction institutions than among their peers outside the institutions. The children's health issues are not just health and disease problems, but also environmental, behavioral and health service factors that directly affect their health status. The CICL health fulfillment must be completed to support behavior change in children under the guidance of the Child Correctional Institution (LPKA). The purpose of implementing the health aspect is to increase their awareness and attention to maintaining their health. The purpose of this study is to analyze the CICL welfare in LPKA Bandung, Palembang and Tangerang on health needs. This research adopts a qualitative method and type of explanatory research. This study also used purposive sampling techniques. Data collection by the researcher included in-depth interviews, observations and literature studies. The results of the study examined the health status, efforts made and access to health care of the children in conflict with the law and the presence of risk and protective factors affecting behavioral change in their health.

What happens after an NHS Health Check? A survey and realist review.

The National Health Service Health Check in England aims to provide adults aged 40 to 74 with an assessment of their risk of developing cardiovascular disease and to offer advice to help manage and reduce this risk. The programme is commissioned by local authorities and delivered by a range of providers in different settings, although primarily in general practices. This project focused on variation in the advice, onward referrals and prescriptions offered to attendees following their health check. (1) Map recent programme delivery across England via a survey of local authorities; (2) conduct a realist review to enable understanding of how the National Health Service Health Check programme works in different settings, for different groups; (3) provide recommendations to improve delivery. Survey of local authorities and realist review of the literature. Realist review is a theory-driven, interpretive approach to evidence synthesis that seeks to explain why, when and for whom outcomes occur. We gathered published research and grey literature (including local evaluation documents and conference materials) via searching and supplementary methods. Extracted data were synthesised using a realist logic of analysis to develop an understanding of important contexts that affect the delivery of National Health Service Health Checks, and underlying mechanisms that produce outcomes related to our project focus. Our findings highlight the variation in National Health Service Health Check delivery models across England. Commissioners, providers and attendees understand the programme's purpose in different ways. When understood primarily as an opportunity to screen for disease, responsibility for delivery and outcomes rests with primary care, and there is an emphasis on volume of checks delivered, gathering essential data and communicating risk. When understood as an opportunity to prompt and support behaviour change, more emphasis is placed on delivery of advice and referrals to 'lifestyle services'. Practical constraints limit what can be delivered within the programme's remit. Public health funding restricts delivery options and links with onward services, while providers may struggle to deliver effective checks when faced with competing priorities. Attendees' responses to the programme are affected by features of delivery models and the constraints they face within their own lives. Survey response rate lower than anticipated; review findings limited by the availability and quality of the literature. The purpose and remit of the National Health Service Health Check programme should be clarified, considering prevailing attitudes about its value (especially among providers) and what can be delivered within existing resources. Some variation in delivery is likely to be appropriate to meet local population needs, but lack of clarity for the programme contributes to a 'postcode lottery' effect in the support offered to attendees after a check. Our findings raise important questions about whether the programme itself and services that it may feed into are adequately resourced to achieve positive outcomes for attendees, and whether current delivery models may produce inequitable outcomes. Policy-makers and commissioners should consider the implications of the findings of this project; future research should address the relative scarcity of studies focused on the end of the National Health Service Health Check pathway. PROSPERO registration CRD42020163822. This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Services and Delivery Research programme (NIHR129209).

The NHS Health Check programme: a survey of programme delivery in England before and after the Covid-19 pandemic response

Background: This study investigated NHS Health Check programme delivery before and after the Covid-19 pandemic response, with a focus on support services and referral methods available to Health Check attendees. The NHS Health Check is an important part of England’s Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) prevention programme. Methods: Public health commissioners from all 151 local authorities responsible for commissioning the NHS Health Check programme were surveyed in 2021, using an online questionnaire to capture detail about programme delivery, changes in delivery because of the pandemic response, and monitoring of programme outcomes. Four-point rating scales were used to obtain level of confidence in capacity, accessibility and usage of follow-on support services for Health Check attendees. A typology of programme delivery was developed, and associations between delivery categories and a range of relevant variables were assessed using one-way analysis of variance. Results: Sixty-eight responses were received on behalf of 74 local authorities (49%), across all geographical regions. Our findings suggest a basic typology of delivery, though with considerable variation in who is providing the Checks, where and how, and with continued changes prompted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Support for risk management is highly varied with notable gaps in some areas. Local authorities using a model of delivery that includes community venues tended to have a higher number of services to support behaviour change following the Check, and greater confidence in the accessibility and usage of these services. A minority of local authorities gather data on referrals for Health Check attendees, or on outcomes of referrals. Conclusions: The Covid-19 pandemic has prompted key innovations in delivery, which are likely to influence patient experience and outcomes; these need careful evaluation. The programme’s delivery and intention to follow through risk communication with appropriate support is challenged by the complexity of the commissioning landscape.

Health and Wellness Coaching and Sustained Gains: A Rapid Systematic Review.

The Transtheoretical Model of Change identifies key stages in behavior change, including a maintenance stage occurring when a behavior has been upheld for at least 6months. Health and wellness coaching has demonstrated support for health behavior change, but maintenance of gains has received little attention. Our rapid systematic literature review characterizes both the research exploring sustained gains with health and wellness coaching and what is known about sustained gains after the completion of a health and wellness coaching engagement. Guided by The Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group "Interim Guidance," we drew 231 studies from the 2018 and 2020 Sforzo et al "Compendium of the health and wellness coaching literature," and "Addendum…" appendices. Initial screening and coding for inclusion and exclusion criteria yielded 28 studies for data extraction. We examined studies across outcome categories (physiological, behavioral, psychological, and health risk assessment) to determine whether outcome measures were: not sustained; partially sustained; fully sustained; or improved from immediate post-intervention to a later follow-up period. Twenty-five of the 28 studies reviewed demonstrated partially, or fully, sustained or improved outcomes in one or more variables studied, with sustained gains demonstrated across outcome categories, strengthening confidence in HWC as a facilitator of lasting change.

Postmarket Surveillance for Effective Regulation of Digital Mental Health Treatments.

Postmarket Surveillance for Effective Regulation of Digital Mental Health Treatments.

Positive change orientation: study of IT companies reveals how change self-efficacy and positive attitudes help employees deal with change

PurposeThis paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.Design/methodology/approachThis briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.FindingsEuropean researchers have investigated the influence of positive change orientation on perceived change uncertainty and behavioral change support at two large IT companies. The results of the study of employees and supervisors indicate that self-change efficacy and attitudes towards change partially mediate the negative relationship between perceived change uncertainty and behavioral change support.Originality/valueThe briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Exploring behavioral change support: the role of perceived uncertainty and self- and other-interest in change

PurposeBoth uncertainty reduction theory and uncertainty management theory suggest that uncertainty reduction during organizational change is imperative as it may influence positively employees’ attitudes and behaviors. By drawing on the theory of planned behavior that links individual’s beliefs and behavior, the study seeks to examine how employees’ self- and other-interest in change may reduce perceptions of change uncertainty and consequently, foster their behavioral change support (i.e. compliance, cooperation and championing).Design/methodology/approachThe study hypothesizes that employees’ self- and other-interest in change mediate the relationship between perceptions of change uncertainty and behavioral change support. The research was conducted in two large IT companies co-located in a big science park in an EU country in South-eastern Europe. Data were collected from 105 employees and their supervisors in three sequential phases.FindingsThe research findings suggest that both self- and other-interest in change partially mediate the negative relationship between perceptions of change uncertainty and behavioral change support.Practical implicationsThe findings indicate that change management practitioners will benefit considerably if they try to decrease employees’ perceived change uncertainty by increasing their self- and other-interest in change to provoke supportive behaviors. Relevant suggestions are made.Originality/valueThe findings provide new insights into how perceptions of change uncertainty and self- and other-interest in change can affect employees’ change participation. Further, the research findings add to the uncertainty reduction theory and uncertainty management theory as well as, other related notions.

Gamification as a Catalyst for Business Engagement: Insights from Case Studies and Technological Innovations

This paper provides an in-depth examination of the effectiveness of gamification techniques across various business functions, illustrating its transformative potential in today's competitive landscape. Gamification, defined as the integration of game-like elements—such as points, levels, rewards, and challenges—into non-gaming contexts, has gained significant traction as a tool for boosting engagement, motivation, and productivity among employees and customers alike. This study employs a comprehensive mixed-methods approach, drawing on qualitative interviews, extensive literature reviews, and detailed case study analyses to uncover the nuanced ways in which gamification strategies are applied within diverse industries. The findings aim to provide actionable insights into the mechanics of successful gamification implementations and offer a framework for organizations seeking to leverage these techniques to improve key business metrics. Furthermore, this paper explores the role of emerging technologies—specifically Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI)—in enhancing the gamification experience, pushing the boundaries of user interaction, personalization, and immersive engagement. The implications of this research highlight how gamification, when thoughtfully and ethically implemented, can become a powerful component of an organization’s strategy to foster sustainable engagement, support behavior change, and drive long-term productivity.