Fiscal Year:
2003
Title:
Individualized Expert Systems for Weight Management
Agency:
HHS
Contract:
4R44HL070549-02
Award Amount:
$1,002,449.00
Abstract:
DESCRIPTION (Provided by applicant): The prevalence of overweight and obesity
has increased dramatically over the last two decades. Overweight and obesity,
the second leading preventable cause of death, poses a major public health
challenge in that it increases the risk of chronic diseases, including coronary
heart disease, and all-cause mortality. Clinic-based programs for weight
management are costly and serve only a small percentage of individuals.
Population-based behavior change programs are needed to reach larger
percentages of at risk individuals more cost-effectively. Preliminary research
on the application of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) to weight management
suggests that the model has the potential to guide the development of effective
multiple-behavior interventions. Phase I of this Fast-Track proposal involves
the customization and feasibility testing of a stage-matched, individualized,
interactive intervention based on the TTM. Feasibility includes proactively
recruiting 60 percent of eligible participants (n=250) to participate in a
randomized clinical trial and evaluating acceptability of the intervention
materials. Computerized expert system interventions and stage-matched manuals
delivered proactively to entire populations can have unprecedented impacts on
the targeted health behaviors as well as weight. Using the TTM as the basis
will provide the theoretical framework that experts have indicated is necessary
to develop more effective and cost-effective interventions.
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION:
The proposed TTM based expert system weight management intervention is capable of
high recruitment rates, accurate assessment, and individualized interventions that have
the ability to create high impact on a population basis. We envision such interactive
technologies for entire populations delivered at relatively low costs through the mail or
over the Internet or an Intranet. Commercial applications include marketing to healthcare
providers, namely managed care organizations, and employers who share the burden of
healthcare expenses.
Small Business Information at Submission:
PRO-CHANGE BEHAVIOR SYSTEMS, INC.
PRO-CHANGE BEHAVIOR SYSTEMS 2 CHAFEE RD KINGSTON, RI 02881
EIN/Tax ID:
050508853
DUNS:
N/A
Number of Employees:
N/A
Woman-Owned:
No
Minority-Owned:
No
HUBZone-Owned:
No