The Preparation Phase of MOST

Abstract

This chapter reviews the first of the three phases of the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST), namely, preparation. In the preparation phase, the investigator develops a conceptual model of the behavioral, biobehavioral, or biomedical process of interest and how the intervention under development is to intervene on this process. As will be discussed, this conceptual model is even more detailed than a standard logic model. The conceptual model will guide every decision that is made throughout the subsequent phases of MOST. Based on the conceptual model, the investigator identifies a set of components that are candidates for inclusion in the optimized intervention and, if necessary, pilot tests the components. The investigator also specifies the criterion that will define the optimized intervention, that is, the optimization criterion. A clear and well-specified conceptual model, a set of candidate components that follow directly from this model, and an appropriate optimization criterion are all critical aspects of MOST. It is assumed that readers are familiar with the material in Chap. 1.