Course 4: The Theories and Techniques of Behavior Change Interventions SIG Presents: Advanced Topics in the Design and Preliminary Testing of Health-Related Behavioral Interventions: Understanding and Applying the ORBIT Model

This course will provide investigators whose research involves the design and testing of health-related behavioral interventions an opportunity to: (1) better understand the core features and methods of the ORBIT model, a framework for developing, refining and testing behavioral treatments for chronic diseases; (2) learn how to address several important issues that arise when using the model, such as defining and utilizing go/no-go criteria for moving from one phase of the model to the next; and (3) apply this knowledge to their own behavioral treatment development projects.

The speakers will begin by providing a brief overview of the ORBIT model, followed by presentations on topics important to an advanced understanding and appropriate use of the model. These include: (1) defining and operationalizing clinically significant outcomes within a program of behavioral intervention development; (2) identifying and appropriately using go/no-go criteria for moving forward in the model; (3) the value and appropriate use of proof-of-concept studies in designing behavioral interventions; and (4) considerations in designing feasibility pilots and Phase II efficacy trials. Examples will be provided to illustrate the concepts being discussed and how a deep understanding of these topics can enhance a program of intervention development using the ORBIT model. The presenters will describe their own experiences in designing behavioral intervention development studies, bringing these “lessons learned” to bear in providing guidance to course attendees to help them design their own behavioral intervention development projects. The speakers will also describe examples of successful grant applications that have used the ORBIT model and provide advice and tips for maximizing success in grant submissions that utilize this model.

Participants will be asked to submit in advance a synopsis of a behavioral intervention development project they have or are considering submitting for funding, and/or specific questions they may have regarding the ORBIT model and the process of behavioral intervention development. The information and questions they submit will help to shape the presentations and discussions and will provide opportunities for presenters to follow-up with individual participants during the meeting or afterwards to address their questions and needs in the area of behavioral intervention development and preliminary testing.

Chair - Susan Czajkowski PhD  Student
National Cancer Institute

Co-Presenter - Sylvie Naar PhD  Student
Florida State University College of Medicine

Co-Presenter - Kenneth Freedland Ph.D.  Student
Washington University at St. Louis

Co-Presenter - Lynda Powell PhD, MEd  Student
Rush University Medical Center

This course will provide investigators whose research involves the design and testing of health-related behavioral interventions an opportunity to: (1) better understand the core features and methods of the ORBIT model, a framework for developing, refining and testing behavioral treatments for chronic diseases; (2) learn how to address several important issues that arise when using the model, such as defining and utilizing go/no-go criteria for moving from one phase of the model to the next; and (3) apply this knowledge to their own behavioral treatment development projects.

The speakers will begin by providing a brief overview of the ORBIT model, followed by presentations on topics important to an advanced understanding and appropriate use of the model. These include: (1) defining and operationalizing clinically significant outcomes within a program of behavioral intervention development; (2) identifying and appropriately using go/no-go criteria for moving forward in the model; (3) the value and appropriate use of proof-of-concept studies in designing behavioral interventions; and (4) considerations in designing feasibility pilots and Phase II efficacy trials. Examples will be provided to illustrate the concepts being discussed and how a deep understanding of these topics can enhance a program of intervention development using the ORBIT model. The presenters will describe their own experiences in designing behavioral intervention development studies, bringing these “lessons learned” to bear in providing guidance to course attendees to help them design their own behavioral intervention development projects. The speakers will also describe examples of successful grant applications that have used the ORBIT model and provide advice and tips for maximizing success in grant submissions that utilize this model.

Participants will be asked to submit in advance a synopsis of a behavioral intervention development project they have or are considering submitting for funding, and/or specific questions they may have regarding the ORBIT model and the process of behavioral intervention development. The information and questions they submit will help to shape the presentations and discussions and will provide opportunities for presenters to follow-up with individual participants during the meeting or afterwards to address their questions and needs in the area of behavioral intervention development and preliminary testing.

Chair - Susan M. Czajkowski, PhD,
National Cancer Institute

Co-Presenter - Sylvie Naar, PhD,
Florida State University College of Medicine

Co-Presenter - Kenneth Freedland, Ph.D.,
Washington University at St. Louis

Co-Presenter - Lynda H. Powell, PhD, MEd,
Rush University Medical Center