This book presents a framework for development, optimization, and
evaluation of behavioral, biobehavioral, and biomedical interventions.
Behavioral, biobehavioral, and biomedical interventions are programs
with the objective of improving and maintaining human health and
well-being, broadly defined, in individuals, families, schools,
organizations, or communities. These interventions may be aimed at, for
example, preventing or treating disease, promoting physical and mental
health, preventing violence, or improving academic achievement.
This volume introduces the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST),
pioneered at The Methodology Center at the Pennsylvania State
University, as an alternative to the classical approach of relying
solely on the randomized controlled trial (RCT). MOST borrows heavily
from perspectives taken and approaches used in engineering, and also
integrates concepts from statistics and behavioral science, including
the RCT. As described in detail in this book, MOST consists of three
phases: preparation, in which the conceptual model underlying the
intervention is articulated; optimization, in which experimentation is
used to gather the information necessary to identify the optimized
intervention; and evaluation, in which the optimized intervention is
evaluated in a standard RCT. Through numerous examples, the book
demonstrates that MOST can be used to develop interventions that are
more effective, efficient, economical, and scalable.
Optimization of Behavioral, Biobehavioral, and Biomedical
Interventions: The Multiphase Optimization Strategy is the first book
to present a comprehensive introduction to MOST. It will be an essential
resource for behavioral, biobehavioral, and biomedical scientists;
statisticians, biostatisticians, and analysts working in epidemiology
and public health; and graduate-level courses in development and
evaluation of interventions.
