Effective interventions use established behaviour change methods
Using the internet to promote health behaviour change: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of theoretical basis, use of behaviour change techniques, and mode of delivery on efficacy. Webb TL, Joseph J, Yardley L, Michie S. J Med Internet Res. 2010. 12(1): e4.
Aim
To identify what programme designs and delivery methods make an online health intervention most effective.
Looked at
85 studies of online interventions, with a total sample size of 43,236 participants.
How?
A comprehensive review (meta-analysis) of online interventions designed to change health behaviour was conducted to compare techniques and the outcomes achieved by the interventions.
Results
- The average online intervention had a small but significant effect on health-related behaviour.
- Interventions that were based on behaviour theory were more effective (P = .049), and, in particular, interventions based on the theory of planned behaviour tended to have substantial effects on behaviour.
- Interventions that used behaviour change techniques also tended to be more effective compared to interventions using fewer techniques.
- Additional methods of communicating with participants, especially the use of short message service (SMS), or text, messages increased the effectiveness of online interventions.
What does this mean?
The most effective online health interventions are usually behaviour theory-based, incorporate behaviour change techniques and use varied modes of delivery.