Linking measures to mechanisms of action: An expert opinion study.

Objective: This study sought to integrate the NIH Science of Behaviour Change (SOBC) measures repository comprising measures of putative mechanisms with mechanisms of action (MoA) identified by the Human Behaviour-Change Project (HBCP).

Design: Participants were 30 international experts recruited from professional networks and societies. In three anonymous virtual rounds, experts established consensus on hypothesized links between 26 MoAs and 44 self-report measures.

Methods: In Round 1, experts completed a survey rating agreement with 84 pre-identified measure-MoA links and suggested new links. In Round 2, experts discussed 10 links in an online forum, including pre-identified links with <50% agreement and new links suggested by 20-50% of experts. In Round 3, experts completed a survey rating all links eligible for discussion in Round 2.

Results: Twenty-seven experts completed Round 1, 23 completed Round 2 and 18 completed Round 3. In Round 1, 82 of 84 pre-identified links reached >50% agreement and 14 new links were suggested by >50% of experts. In Round 2, experts discussed measure-MoA links and measurement quality. In Round 3, 71 of 96 links reached ≥50% agreement. A total of 167 links reached >50% expert agreement, 33 of which reached ≥90% agreement.

Conclusion: By identifying putative mechanisms (HBCP) for the 44 self-report measures (SOBC), this study advances the cumulation of scientific results and interoperability of resources to facilitate process research.