The multiphase optimization strategy for engineering effective tobacco use interventions.
The multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) is a new methodological approach for building, optimizing, and evaluating multicomponent interventions. Conceptually rooted in engineering, MOST emphasizes efficiency and careful management of resources to move intervention science forward steadily and incrementally. MOST can be used to guide the evaluation of research evidence, develop an optimal intervention (the best set of intervention components), and enhance the translation of research findings, particularly type II translation. This article uses an ongoing study to illustrate the application of MOST in the evaluation of diverse intervention components derived from the phase-based framework reviewed in the companion article by Baker et al. (Ann Behav Med, in press, 2011). The article also discusses considerations, challenges, and potential benefits associated with using MOST and similar principled approaches to improving intervention efficacy, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness. The applicability of this methodology may extend beyond smoking cessation to the development of behavioral interventions for other chronic health challenges.
The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA.
Linda M
LM
Collins
Timothy B
TB
Baker
Robin J
RJ
Mermelstein
Megan E
ME
Piper
Douglas E
DE
Jorenby
Stevens S
SS
Smith
Bruce A
BA
Christiansen
Tanya R
TR
Schlam
Jessica W
JW
Cook
Michael C
MC
Fiore
D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004738:Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D016730:Program Development / Q000379:methods*; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods; D012107:Research Design; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods*; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D057170:Translational Research, Biomedical / Q000379:methods