Resources for Researchers Interested in Intervention Optimization

Optimization of Behavioral and Biobehavioral Interventions SIG

As the science of optimizing interventions continues to grow within behavioral medicine, the Optimization of Behavioral and Biobehavioral Interventions Special Interest Group (OBBI SIG) stands at the ready to connect you to resources! This article provides a list of commonly asked questions and a rundown of resources to help you find the answers you need.
 

What is optimization?

Optimization is the process of identifying an intervention that provides the best expected outcome obtainable within key constraints imposed by the need for affordability, scalability, and efficiency. Using the MOST framework, the goal of optimization is intervention EASE.  EASE is a balance of intervention Effectiveness with Affordability (maintaining budgetary goals), Scalability (readiness for implementation without posthoc adjustments), and Efficiency (inclusion of only high-performing intervention components (Collins, 2021).
 

 What written resources are available?

The most comprehensive resource is Linda Collins’ book titled “Optimization of Behavioral, Biobehavioral and Biomedical Interventions.” The book content provides information needed to prepare a grant using MOST. A second book on advanced topics is also available (titled “Optimization of Behavioral, Biobehavioral and Biomedical Interventions: Advanced Topics”) and includes topics such as moderation, adaptive interventions, and multi-level factorial experimental designs. There are also numerous online resources available through the NYU Intervention Optimization Website and the Pennsylvania State University Methodology Center website (with transition information here). Finally, the OBBI SIG offers a curated reading list and discussion through Twitter (@OBBI_SIG) using the hashtag #ToReadTuesday. This is a great way to stay current with optimization literature and engage with colleagues about published articles using MOST.
 

Are there in-person trainings?

Yes!  Pre-pandemic, there were numerous in-person training opportunities at SBM pre-conference workshops, as well as stand-alone trainings provided through other organizations and institutions. Training needs have not subsided during the pandemic and the MOST experts are working on safe ways to offer training on MOST for you. The OBBI twitter account (@OBBI_SIG) and the OBBI listserv (for SIG members) continue to be two places where announcements are made for upcoming training opportunities. The OBBI SIG is also willing to partner with other SIGs and interested investigators who would like our help with sharing knowledge about MOST.
 

What is the OBBI SIG doing to help coordinate optimization efforts?

Each year the OBBI SIG offers members several ways to learn about MOST and connect with others interested in MOST. These include providing members a curated list of optimization conference sessions, facilitating pre-conference workshops, gathering for our annual business meeting, and offering MOST webinars.  There is an extensive archive of recorded SBM Behavior Change Grand Round webinars available free and on-demand to SBM members. This year, the OBBI SIG is launching “Mind-Mapping MOST” to provide an opportunity for SIG members to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another via a quarterly brainstorming session focused on intervention optimization. Each session will feature 1-2 projects and presenters will have the opportunity to get feedback and ideas from members of the OBBI SIG leadership team and other OBBI researchers. The four Mind-Mapping MOST session will be on September 24, 2021, December 8, 2021, March 16, 2022, and June 8, 2022.  Registration information will be sent to our SIG listserv for members and announced on Twitter (@OBBI_SIG).
 

How can I get involved with the OBBI SIG?

Our SIG leadership team is always interested in hearing from colleagues interested in optimization.  We welcome members and non-members to attend our annual business meeting at the SBM conference, engage with us on Twitter, or email us with ideas. Each year we invite SIG members to join our leadership team via election to the Communications Chair position. If you would like to get involved, please reach out!

 

References

Collins LM, Strayhorn JC, Vanness DJ. (2021). One view of the next decade of research on behavioral and biobehavioral approaches to cancer prevention and control: Intervention optimization. Transl Behav Med.:1-11.