Intervention mapping

Intervention mapping^[1] is a protocol for developing theory-based and evidence-based health promotion programs. Intervention Mapping describes the process of health promotion program planning in six steps:

1. the needs assessment based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model
2. the definition of performance and change objectives based upon scientific analyses of health problems and problem causing factors;
3. the selection of theory-based intervention methods and practical applications to change (determinants of) health-related behavior;
4. the production of program components, design and production;
5. the anticipation of program adoption, implementation and sustainability; and
6. the anticipation of process and effect evaluation.

Intervention mapping is characterized by three perspectives: an ecological approach, participation of all stakeholders, and the use of theories and evidence. Although intervention mapping is presented as a series of steps, the authors see the planning process as iterative rather than linear.^[1] Program planners move back and forth between tasks and steps. The process is also cumulative: each step is based on previous steps, and inattention to a particular step may lead to mistakes and inadequate decisions.^{[citation needed]}

Brief history and purpose of the protocol

Intervention mapping was first developed and introduced in 1998 by L. Kay Bartholomew, Guy S. Parcel & Gerjo Kok,^[2] with an article in Health Education & Behavior. In 2001 the first edition of the book followed, with Nell H. Gottlieb as 4th author.^[3] In 2006, the 2nd edition was published,^[4] and in 2011, the 3rd edition, with Maria E. Fernández as 5th author.^[5] The 4th edition appeared in 2016, authored by L. Kay Bartholomew Eldridge, Christine M. Markham, Robert A.C. Ruiter, Maria Fernández, Gerjo Kok & Guy S. Parcel.^[1] This was the last edition led by L. Kay Bartholomew Eldridge, who died in February 2016.^{[citation needed]}

Intervention mapping was developed as a reaction to a lack of comprehensive frameworks for health promotion program development.^[2] Intervention mapping aims to help health promoters develop the best possible intervention. The key words in this protocol are planning, research, and theory. Intervention mapping provides a vocabulary for intervention planning, procedures for planning activities, and technical assistance with identifying theory-based determinants and methods for change. Intervention mapping can also help in adapting existing interventions to new populations and settings,^[5] and provides a taxonomy of behavior change methods that can be used to code intervention content.^[6][7] In the health promotion field, intervention mapping has successfully been applied in various settings, to a wide range of different behaviors and populations.^[5] It may help planners develop theory- and evidence-based interventions to promote healthy behavior.

More specifically, intervention mapping ensures that theoretical models and empirical evidence guide planners in two areas: (1) the identification of behavioral and environmental determinants related to a target problem, and (2) the selection of the most appropriate theoretical methods and practical applications to address the identified determinants. Intervention mapping has been described as complex and elaborate.^[8][9][10] However, this is crucial to bring the development of interventions to a higher level,^[11] indicating that advantages outweighed disadvantages. Intervention mapping is developed in the health promotion field but can easily be applied in other fields, such as promoting energy conservation.^[12]

Steps and tasks

Are the following:^{[citation needed]}

• Step 1: Logic Model of the Problem
  • Establish and work with a planning group
  • Conduct a needs assessment to create a logic model of the problem
  • Describe the context for the intervention including the population, setting, and community
  • State program goals
• Step 2: Program Outcomes and Objectives – Logic Model of Change
  • State expected outcomes for behavior and environment
  • Specify performance objectives for behavioral and environmental outcomes
  • Select determinants for behavioral and environmental outcomes
  • Construct matrices of change objectives
  • Create a logic model of change
• Step 3: Program Design
  • Generate program themes, components, scope, and sequence
  • Choose theory- and evidence-based change methods
  • Select or design practical applications to deliver change methods
• Step 4: Program Production
  • Refine program structure and organization
  • Prepare plans for program materials
  • Draft messages, materials, and protocols
  • Pretest, refine, and produce materials
• Step 5: Program Implementation Plan
  • Identify potential program users (implementers, adopters, and maintainers)
  • State outcomes and performance objectives for program use
  • Construct matrices of change objectives for program use
  • Design implementation interventions Implementation
• Step 6: Evaluation Plan
  • Write effect and process evaluation questions
  • Develop indicators and measures for assessment
  • Specify the evaluation design
  • Complete the evaluation plan

See also

• Behavior change (public health)
• Behavioural change theories
• Health psychology