The state of knowledge regarding delivering behavior change techniques via short text messages is already quite advanced: A response to "Can behavior change techniques be delivered via short text messages?"

Abstract

Doğru et al. recent study reported developing text messages that attempted to capture each of 93 behavior change techniques (BCTs) in a standardized taxonomy. They found that a panel of experts identified the majority of the messages developed as having good fidelity to the intended BCTs. While this work has clear merit, we do not believe it accurately reflects the large body of existing research in this area. A process of producing text messages to address BCTs that yielded high fidelity has previously been reported. Furthermore, this work showed that messages developed for one behavior can be modified to address another behavior with similarly good fidelity. Importantly, these messages have been shown to successfully change target constructs in an experimental study and are being used in a randomized trial that has recently completed recruitment of over 1000 people with Type 2 diabetes.

Keywords: Type 2 diabetes; behavior change techniques; intervention; medication adherence; short text messages.