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. 2021 Nov 25:7:20552076211057667.
doi: 10.1177/20552076211057667. eCollection 2021 Jan-Dec.

ImpulsePal: The systematic development of a smartphone app to manage food temptations using intervention mapping

Samantha B van Beurden  1 , Colin J Greaves  2 , Charles Abraham  3 , Natalia S Lawrence  4 , Jane R Smith  1
Affiliations

ImpulsePal: The systematic development of a smartphone app to manage food temptations using intervention mapping

Samantha B van Beurden et al. Digit Health. .

Abstract

Background: Impulsive processes driving eating behaviour can often undermine peoples' attempts to change their behaviour, lose weight and maintain weight loss.

Aim: To develop an impulse management intervention to support weight loss in adults.

Methods: Intervention Mapping (IM) was used to systematically develop the "ImpulsePal" intervention. The development involved: (1) a needs assessment including a qualitative study, Patient and Public advisory group and expert group consultations, and a systematic review of impulse management techniques; (2) specification of performance objectives, determinants, and change objectives; (3) selection of intervention strategies (mapping of change techniques to the determinants of change); (4) creation of programme materials; (5) specification of adoption and implementation plans; (6) devising an evaluation plan.

Results: Application of the IM Protocol resulted in a smartphone app that could support reductions in unhealthy (energy dense) food consumption, overeating, and alcoholic and sugary drink consumption. ImpulsePal includes inhibition training, mindfulness techniques, implementation intentions (if-then planning), visuospatial loading, use of physical activity for craving management, and context-specific reminders. An "Emergency Button" was also included to provide access to in-the-moment support when temptation is strong.

Conclusions: ImpulsePal is a novel, theory- and evidence-informed, person-centred app that aims to support impulse management for healthier eating. Intervention Mapping facilitated the incorporation of app components that are practical operationalisations of change techniques targeting our specific change objectives and their associated theoretical determinants. Using IM enabled transparency and provided a clear framework for evaluation, and enhances replicability and the potential of the intervention to accomplish the desired outcome of facilitating weight loss through dietary change.

Keywords: Intervention mapping; automatic process; digital behaviour change intervention; dual-process; eHealth; implicit process; mhealth; obesity; weight loss.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of conflicting interests: The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Intervention development process.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Logic model of the problem and impulsePal.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
The impulsePal App.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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