MOST is a work in progress.  Watch this web site for more information, and watch for the article listed below.  If you would like a preprint of the article, email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .  Linda is interested in collaborating with intervention scientists who are enthusiastic about a serious application of MOST.

Collins, L.M., Murphy, S.A., Nair, V.N., & Strecher, V.  (In press).  A strategy for optimizing and evaluating behavioral interventions.   Annals of Behavioral Medicine.

Abstract

Background.  This article suggests a multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) for achieving the dual goals of program optimization and program evaluation in the behavioral intervention field.  Methods.  MOST consists of the following three phases:  (1) screening, in which randomized experimentation closely guided by theory is used to asses an array of program and/or delivery components and select the components that merit further investigation; (2) refining, in which interactions among the identified set of components and their interrelationships with covariates are investigated in detail, again via randomized experiments, and optimal dosage levels and combinations of components are identified; and (3) confirming, in which the resulting optimized intervention is evaluated by means of a standard randomized intervention trial.  In order to make the best use of available resources, MOST relies on design and analysis tools that help maximize efficiency, such as fractional factorials.  Results.  A slightly modified version of an actual application of MOST to develop a smoking cessation intervention is used to develop and present the ideas.  Conclusions.  MOST has the potential to husband program development resources while increasing our understanding of the individual program and delivery components that make up interventions.  Considerations, challenges, open questions, and other potential benefits are discussed.