SBIR and STTR Success Story for
Pro-Change Behavior Systems, Inc.
(Information Posted/Updated on 09/09/2007)
Pro-Change Behavior Systems, Inc.
P.O. Box 755
West Kingston, RI  02892

Contact:    Kerry E. Evers, Ph.D.
Phone:      401- 874-4118
Fax:          401- 874-4103
E-mail:      kevers@prochange.com
Web Site:  http://www.prochange.com

Project Title:  A Stress Management Expert System for Cancer Prevention
Related Award(s):  R44 CA81948
Technology Developed:
A computerized tailored intervention was developed using expert system technology, aimed at increasing effective stress management. The program provided individualized, tailored feedback based on the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change on a population basis through the mail and telephone. Individuals completed assessments either on the telephone or through the mail, and received tailored print communications in addition to a stage-of-change-based manual. The expert system and stage-based manual have since been adapted for interactive use on the Internet.

Key Words:  stress management, Transtheoretical Model, Stage of Change, Population Intervention, Tailored Communications.
Uses of Technology/Products/Service:
The stress management health behavior change intervention is based on the Transtheoretical Model of Change and consists of stage-matched, normative feedback reports (compared to peers) at 0, 3, and 6 months, with an addition of ipsative feedback (compared to self) at 3 and 6 months. Feedback reports are tailored to the individual at each time point based on the theoretical model, scientific databases, and their survey responses to specific constructs including stage of change for stress management, use of processes or strategies of change, self-efficacy or confidence, and decisional balance (pros and cons). These tailored print communications are provided to participants through the mail. In addition, participants receive a stage-based self-help manual for stress management to which feedback reports refer the participants for more guidance.

This stress management intervention has been licensed for use by:

--Schering Plough for HUMANA employees online in the form of an interactive workbook

--Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI for a pilot incentive health behavior change program for their employees through online and paper versions

--Haelan Group for their subscribers who take the program online after being recognized through a health risk assessment.

Benefit to Company:
The Pro-Change Stress Management Program is a computerized tailored intervention based on the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change (TTM). It consists of a series of assessments and tailored feedback that provides both normative (compared to peers) and ipsative (compared to self) guidance to individuals on how they can more effectively manage their stress. Interactions take place either through the mail and telephone, or can be interactive over the Internet. Communications are tailored to the individual during each interaction based on the TTM, scientific databases, and survey responses to specific constructs including stage of change for stress management, use of processes (strategies of change), self-efficacy (confidence), and decisional balance (pros and cons). In addition, participants have access to a stage-based, self-help manual for stress management to which tailored communications refer participants for more guidance. These manuals are available in a print form, or in an interactive online workbook.

Results of a clinical trial of the effectiveness of the program can be found in: Evers, K.E., Prochaska, J.O., Johnson, J.L., Mauriello, L.M., Padula, J.A., & Prochaska, J.M. (2006). A Randomized Clinical Trial of a Population and Transtheoretical-Based Stress Management Intervention. Health Psychology, 25 (4), 521-529.

For a short demo of the online program, go to: http://www.prochange.com\stressdemo

The Pro-Change Stress Management Program has been licensed for use either individually or as a module in the larger LifeStyle Management Program by:

—Healthways, Inc., who in turn distributes the program to employers and insurance providers.

—Schering Plough, for employees to use online in the form of an interactive workbook.

—Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI, for a pilot incentive health behavior change program for their employees through online and paper versions.

—Quality Health Solutions, who in turn distributes the programs to employers and universities.

—MediFit, who in turn distributes the program to large employers.

How Product Was Commercialized:
Pro-Change commercialized the Stress Management Program through in-house resources.

Other Comments Related to Company's Success Story:
Pro-Change has adapted the Stress Management Program to a college population and is currently working to adapt it to a high school population.