This month the folks at the Behavioural Insights Team have shared another impressive range of high-quality behavioural science work. More from BIT:
‘Top of the queue’ text led to an additional 42,000 Covid-19 vaccinations: Findings from one of the largest randomised controlled trials ever run in behavioural science have been published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour. BIT worked with NHS England and Public Health England to test text messages letting people know they were eligible for their vaccination. Learn more.
How can we increase vaccine uptake with a behaviourally informed chatbot? Eighteen months into the Covid-19 vaccine rollout, only a third of residents in Chaco, Argentina had gotten booster doses. At the time, public perception of Covid-19 risk was low. While many governments had used one-way reminder text messages to encourage first dose uptake, BIT wondered if a two-way messaging solution could be more effective for booster doses. Learn more.
How we talk about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) matters: Research by BIT and Fleming Initiative shows that co-designing clearer, more relatable terms improve understanding, shift attitudes and boost intent to use antibiotics appropriately. Read the paper.
Small rewards, lasting habits: A new study shows that promising drivers a share of weekly prize money for consistent seatbelt use cut unbuckled trips by a third, even after incentives stopped. Find out more.
New study links even ‘low risk’ alcohol consumption to serious health harms: BIT worked with Alcohol Change UK to examine the drinking habits of more than 4,000 UK adults. The study showed that even ‘low risk’ drinking (less than 14 units) is having an impact on the nation’s health and wellbeing with poor sleep, dental health and worse daily functioning. Learn more.
Behavioural science and rigour at the last mile of aid. The last mile of aid and policy delivery matters now more than ever. Getting it right can have life-saving consequences, especially when resources are scarce. BIT’s Director of International Programmes, Monica Wills Silva, shares how behavioural science can help identify barriers to effective aid delivery. Learn more.
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