Seven steps to successful internet interventions

Researchers from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health identified seven common themes for successful internet-based intervention programs in a study published in the Journal of Internet Medical Research.

Six study coordinators and five principal investigators at a large, U.S.-based land grant university were interviewed about the process of developing online interventions in the areas of alcohol policy, adolescent health, medication adherence and HIV  prevention in transgender persons and in men who have sex with men.

The study was conducted to provide practical advice to others who may be in the process of designing online health interventions from the perspective of researchers with experience in conducting these types of studies, said corresponding author Keith Horvath, PhD.

The researchers identified common factors: (1) hire a strong (or at least the right) research team, (2) take time to plan before beginning the design process, (3) recognize that vendors and researchers have differing values, objectives and language, (4) develop a detailed contract, (5) document all decisions and development activities, (6) use a content management system, and (7) allow extra time for testing and debugging your intervention.

"These defined values and objectives should prompt an open and explicit discussion about the scope of work, budget and other needs from the perspectives of each organization," the researchers wrote. "Because of the complexity of developing online interventions, researchers and practitioners should become familiar with the process and how it may differ from the development and implementation of in-person interventions or programs."

Read the full study.