Table 2 Example of adapting a behaviour change technique’s original definition and example to A&F and healthcare professional behaviour change context

1.1 Goal setting (behaviour)

Set or agree on a goal defined in terms of the behaviour to be achieved

Agree on a daily walking goal (e.g. 3 miles) with the person and reach agreement about the goal

Goal setting can be implied when clear behavioural targets, frequently based on clinical practice guidelines, are established and communicated with healthcare professionals prior to the receipt of feedback. Common examples of behavioural goals in the healthcare context relate to healthcare professionals referral and/or testing practices

‘Radiologists were able to insert their goals for changes they would like to make in their clinical practice, especially regarding recall rates, into a text field at the end of each module’ (Carney, 2012 [20])

Note: Only code Goal setting if there is sufficient evidence that goal set as part of intervention; if goal unspecified or a behavioural outcome, code 1.3, Goal setting (outcome); if the goal defines a specific context, frequency, duration, or intensity for the behaviour, also code 1.4, Action planning

Set the goal of eating 5 pieces of fruit per day as specified in public health guidelines

‘Finally participants set their own, internal targets guided by the information presented to increase target’ (Roos-Blom, 2019 [21])

Use content of reported outcomes to decide whether to code Goal setting (outcome) and/or Goal setting (behaviour). If unclear, code both (see 1.3)

Key words: Targets, metrics, standards, thresholds