Adapting Behavioral Interventions for Social Media Delivery

Abstract

Patients are increasingly using online social networks (ie, social media) to connect with other patients and health care professionals—a trend called peer-to-peer health care. Because online social networks provide a means for health care professionals to communicate with patients, and for patients to communicate with each other, an opportunity exists to use social media as a modality to deliver behavioral interventions. Social media-delivered behavioral interventions have the potential to reduce the expense of behavioral interventions by eliminating visits, as well as increase our access to patients by becoming embedded in their social media feeds. Trials of online social network-delivered behavioral interventions have shown promise, but much is unknown about intervention development and methodology. In this paper, we discuss the process by which investigators can translate behavioral interventions for social media delivery. We present a model that describes the steps and decision points in this process, including the necessary training and reporting requirements. We also discuss issues pertinent to social media-delivered interventions, including cost, scalability, and privacy. Finally, we identify areas of research that are needed to optimize this emerging behavioral intervention modality.

Adapting a Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention for Delivery via Facebook: A Pilot Series Among Low-Income Postpartum Women (Preprint)

“…First, the research team held regular meetings to review the protocol for the in-person Fresh Start Trial [40] as well as the DPP manual [41]. The team identified key constructs and topics from the sessions and created a library of Facebook posts [22] that were originally copied verbatim from the in-person protocol. In accordance with the Fresh Start protocol, posts emphasized one new topic each week (e.g.…”

“…Language was then simplified and messages were shortened through the use of simple terms, short sentences and other approaches. As research has shown that Facebook engagement is higher when a post has a photo or video [22,42] Step-by-step depiction of adaptation process for Facebook planning to move out of the area within the study period.…”

“…Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) hold great promise as a potential means to deliver behavioral weight loss interventions, while overcoming the previously identified challenges to participation and engagement among low-income postpartum women [22,23]. First, social media usage is high among US adults, and Facebook is currently the most widely used social media platform with 79% of adult Internet users currently using Facebook [24].…”

“…For example, 83% of female adult Internet users use Facebook compared to 75% of men, and 84% of adult Internet users earning less than $30,000 per year use Facebook compared to 77% of adults earning greater than $75,000 per year [24]. Individuals also use social media to seek information and share information on a variety of topics, including health and weight loss [22]. Finally, social media can be used at times convenient to users and can alleviate attendance barriers and burdens commonly experienced in in-person interventions (i.e.…”

“…Finally, social media can be used at times convenient to users and can alleviate attendance barriers and burdens commonly experienced in in-person interventions (i.e. transportation, childcare responsibilities, scheduling) [17,22].…”