Using engineering control principles to inform the design of adaptive interventions: a conceptual introduction

The goal of this paper is to describe the role that control engineering principles can play in developing and improving the efficacy of adaptive, time-varying interventions. It is demonstrated that adaptive interventions constitute a form of feedback control system in the context of behavioral health. Consequently, drawing from ideas in control engineering has the potential to significantly inform the analysis, design, and implementation of adaptive interventions, leading to improved adherence, better management of limited resources, a reduction of negative effects, and overall more effective interventions. This article illustrates how to express an adaptive intervention in control engineering terms, and how to use this framework in a computer simulation to investigate the anticipated impact of intervention design choices on efficacy. The potential benefits of operationalizing decision rules based on control engineering principles are particularly significant for adaptive interventions that involve multiple components or address co-morbidities, situations that pose significant challenges to conventional clinical practice.     

Commentary to Gebel 2012: a quantitative review should apply meta-analytical methods

Gebel (2012) performed a quantitative review of inhalation rat studies on the association of granular biopersistent dust exposures and lung cancer risk. The analytical methods applied are unreliable because they do not fulfil the requirements of current meta-analytical methods.     

A series of studies examining Internet treatment of obesity to inform Internet interventions for substance use and misuse

The feasibility and efficacy of Internet treatment programs for overweight and obese people have been demonstrated in a series of randomized trials. Initial studies examined various approaches to Internet behavioral treatment. Other studies have examined delivery of group behavioral counseling using Internet chat rooms, using the Internet for long-term maintenance of weight loss, and enhancing motivation in Internet programs. These interventions have produced weight losses of 4-7 kg over 6 months to 1 year when support via e-mail, automated messages, or chat rooms is provided. Outcomes and lessons learned with application to the treatment of substance use and misuse are provided.     

澳大利亚:魅力十足

强大的研究和实践能力。丰富的资源。尤其是国际统一的标准。使许多跨国药企蜂拥而至。[编者按]