The behavioral intervention technology model: an integrated conceptual and technological framework for eHealth and mHealth interventions.
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2014-06-09
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
A growing number of investigators have commented on the lack of models to inform the design of behavioral intervention technologies BITs BITs which include a subset of mHealth and eHealth interventions employ a broad range of technologies such as mobile phones the Web and sensors to support users in changing behaviors and cognitions related to health mental health and wellness We propose a model that conceptually defines BITs from the clinical aim to the technological delivery framework The BIT model defines both the conceptual and technological architecture of a BIT Conceptually a BIT model should answer the questions why what how conceptual and technical and when While BITs generally have a larger treatment goal such goals generally consist of smaller intervention aims the why such as promotion or reduction of specific behaviors and behavior change strategies the conceptual how such as education goal setting and monitoring Behavior change strategies are instantiated with specific intervention components or elements the what The characteristics of intervention elements may be further defined or modified the technical how to meet the needs capabilities and preferences of a user Finally many BITs require specification of a workflow that defines when an intervention component will be delivered The BIT model includes a technological framework BIT Tech that can integrate and implement the intervention elements characteristics and workflow to deliver the entire BIT to users over time This implementation may be either predefined or include adaptive systems that can tailor the intervention based on data from the user and the user s environment The BIT model provides a step towards formalizing the translation of developer aims into intervention components larger treatments and methods of delivery in a manner that supports research and communication between investigators on how to design develop and deploy BITs