Iteration, Refinement, and Optimization: The value in preparation ahead of an efficacy trial

It can be tempting to move rapidly through the developmental stages of intervention development to begin asking efficacy questions. But early activities—piloting intervention strategies and study logistics, gathering information about feasibility and acceptability, and gathering feedback and making iterative refinements—produce highly valuable information for the scientific community and are critical for efficiently constructing an intervention that is effective and valued by its target audience. Dr. Fanning will discuss several frameworks that guide the iterative refinement and optimization of health behavior interventions, illustrated using his own experiences in user-centered design and iterative refinement. When initiating a new study, holding responsibility for administrative oversight, data quality, intervention monitoring, and building a team can be a challenge to new investigators. Dr. McKernan will review practical strategies in data management, fidelity monitoring, and study systems that facilitate smooth trial operations along with methods of fostering a team culture to promote group cohesion.

Dr. Jason…