Introduction to the Multiphase

Optimization Strategy Framework

This one-day workshop provides an introduction to the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST), a principled framework for optimizing multicomponent or multifactorial interventions. MOST helps unpack the "black box" of intervention development by systematically preparing, refining, and evaluating intervention components. The workshop will also cover factorial and SMART designs, which can be key tools within MOST for identifying effective and efficient intervention strategies.

Instructor:
Kelley Kidwell, PhD (University of Michigan)

Workshop Dates and Times:
Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 10:00am-3:30pm EDT

Workshop Format:
One-Day Online Workshop and Recording

Throughout the workshop, participants will gain a foundational understanding of how the MOST framework provides a systematic and principled approach to intervention development. The preparation phase focuses on defining the intervention objectives, specifying key components, and determining optimization criteria. In the optimization phase, experimental designs such as factorial and SMART designs allow researchers to empirically test intervention components, identifying which are effective, efficient, and scalable. Finally, the evaluation phase involves conducting a full-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT) or other appropriate confirmatory study to assess the optimized intervention’s overall effectiveness.

The workshop will include both theoretical and applied discussions, incorporating case studies from various disciplines, including mental health, addiction, prevention, education, and implementation science. By examining real-world applications, participants will see how MOST can be used to refine interventions systematically rather than relying on trial-and-error approaches or overly complex, one-size-fits-all interventions. Special attention will be given to the role of factorial designs in testing multiple intervention components simultaneously and SMART designs in developing adaptive interventions tailored to individual needs over time.

This workshop is recorded and videos will be available online for learners to review or for those who prefer self-paced learning or who cannot make the live presentation.

What you’ll learn

  • Describe the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) framework, including its three phases—preparation, optimization, and evaluation—and explain how it differs from traditional intervention development approaches.

  • Identify and differentiate key experimental designs used in the optimization phase, including factorial designs for evaluating multiple intervention components and SMART designs for developing adaptive interventions.

  • Review real-world applications of MOST across various fields, such as mental health, addiction, prevention, education, and implementation science, to understand its impact on optimizing interventions.

  • Apply foundational MOST principles to their own research questions, developing a plan for how to use MOST to systematically refine and test multicomponent interventions.

Syllabus

  • Introduction to the MOST Framework: what is it and why is it needed?

    • Traditional development vs. MOST

  • The Preparation Phase: Laying the groundwork

  • The Optimization Phase: Unpacking the Black Box

    • Overview of Factorial Designs

    • Overview of SMART designs

  • The evaluation Phase: when and how to conduct a full-scale RCT

    • Alternative evaluation strategies

  • Applying MOST in Practice

Registration Options

MOST Framework

  • Professional
  • $249
  • Baseline Price for Faculty,
    Staff, and Other Professionals
  • Click Register Below
  • Trainee
  • $249 $167
  • 33% Discount for
    Students and Postdocs
  • Use code "TRAINEE" at Checkout

Combo 1: MOST Framework + SMART Design and Analysis

  • Professional
  • $748 $598
  • Baseline Price for Faculty,
    Staff, and Other Professionals
  • 20% Combination Discount
  • Click Register Below
  • Trainee
  • $598 $401
  • 33% Discount for
    Students and Postdocs
  • 20% Combination Discount
  • Use code "TRAINEE" at Checkout

Note: All registration options for this workshop come with two things:
(1) The ability to attend the live recording of the 2025 version of the workshop on May 29, 2025
(2) Access to the video recording and materials of the 2025 version of the workshop after May 29, 2025

If this workshop is offered again in future years (e.g., 2026+), then you will have continued “evergreen” access to the new recordings and materials.

 FAQs

  • This workshop is intended for any researcher interested in intervention development. Graduate students to post-docs to PhD or MD scientists. Some knowledge of clinical trials would be useful, but not necessary. No minimum amount of statistics knowledge is required.

  • Beginner

  • It is designed to be accessible to such learners with varying degrees of intervention development skills, trial and statistical skills (from none to expert).

  • None. Code will be available for R users, but no software will be explicitly used within the workshop.

  • slides, reading list