Panel Discussion 15 - Enhancing Behavioral Intervention Development with the ORBIT Model: Integration, Grantsmanship Strategies, and Peer Review Considerations

The Obesity-Related Behavioral Intervention Trials (ORBIT) model for developing and testing behavioral treatments for chronic diseases was designed to increase rigor in the process of behavioral intervention development. ORBIT provides a framework for systematically translating “bench” results (foundational social science findings) into “bedside” treatments (health behavior-related interventions) ready for Phase III efficacy testing. Bidirectional pathways throughout the model indicate progress is not always sequential. Returning to an earlier phase of development to optimize before advancing may be necessary if results do not meet the pre-specified milestone. Using phase-appropriate methodology and defining milestones ensure behavioral interventions undergo critical steps of refinement before efficacy testing. The ORBIT Institute was established in 2023 to provide foundational training for behavioral scientists in use and application of the model to guide intervention development (R25CA244065). This Panel Discussion is moderated by core faculty of the ORBIT Institute and led by fellows of the 2023 and 2024 cohorts who will provide an overview of ORBIT and describe available training opportunities and resources. Next, the panel will discuss practical considerations and guidance generated during group discussions at the Institute. Topics reflect common themes lacking clarity in the extant literature:

(1) Comparison of ORBIT to other frameworks, such as the NIH Stage Model or the Multiphase Optimization Strategy.
(2) Grantsmanship utilizing the ORBIT model, including selecting appropriate mechanisms for the stage of intervention development and efficiently articulating the model to strengthen grant proposals and generate a conceptual model.
(3) Strategies for responding to reviewers (i.e., grants, manuscripts) when feedback diverges from ORBIT guidelines, such as requests for “preliminary efficacy” at inappropriate stages of intervention development.

Examples will draw from fellows’ funded intervention development trials. Greater clarity among investigators on these topics will facilitate uptake of ORBIT to guide intervention development and increase overall rigor in the field of applied behavioral medicine.