Table 3.

Summary of hypotheses by theme and with examples

Themes(N = 30)	# of hypotheses (N = 313)	Example hypotheses A&F/A&F interventions will be more effective…
Related to the recipient
1. Trust/credibility	14	If it is perceived to be without conflict of interest; when recommendations related to the A&F are based on good quality evidence
2. Motivation/intention	13	If it is accompanied with positive reinforcement to those who have improved their performance; when accompanied by incentive
3. Recipient characteristics	9	For those with a mastery goal orientation if it involves comparison to others
4. Recipient priorities	9	When targeted at behaviors that the target feels is important to their professional roles/responsibilities
5. Attack on self-identity	7	When measures are used to prevent a defensive response (providing other “reassuring” messages as well)
6. Attract/maintain attention	6	If they engage the target’s attention
7. Self-efficacy/control	5	If the behavior is under the control of the recipient
Related to the behavior
8. Remove barriers	11	If they address barriers to change in behavior
9. About aspects of behavior	7	For behaviors that are easy compared to those that are harder to do
10. Decision processes or conceptual model	4	If designed with a clear understanding of the decision making process underlying the behavior to be changed
Related to the content of the A&F
11. Cognitive load	33	If as few graphs as possible are presented; without unnecessary depth elements; if the graphical representations are clearly and consistently labeled; when color changes are purposeful and convey meaning; when presenting absolute numbers as opposed to percentages; when graphical clutter is removed; when focused on a few, most important behaviors
12. Comparisons	26	When the benchmark comparison is justified to be a reasonable standard; when a comparator is provided; when multiple individual practice data is presented along with the recipient’s data; if it involves a comparison to the self; if the comparator is specific to the recipient’s own context/practice.
13. Action plans/coping strategies	19	If clear direction on how to change behavior is provided
14. Feedback specificity	16	If individual level provider data is provided; if patient-specific information is provided; if it is as specific as possible
15. Goal setting	16	If it is accompanied by a goal that is specific
16. Justify need for behavior change	10	If accompanied by evidence supporting the behavior change
17. Cognitive influences	7	If emphasis is on what needs to be achieved (loss framing) as opposed to what was achieved (gain framing).
18. Nature of the data	6	If graphical representation displays the variability of data in order to indicate the error or uncertainty
19. Guide reflection	6	If it involves a personal reflection component
20. Improving memory	6	If the reminder messages are presented in real time/point of care; if incorporates an emotional message underlining the desired behavior
Related to the delivery of the A&F
21. A&F timing	20	If individual change data over time is provided; when presented multiple times; when presented at the time of decision making
22. Social engagement	17	If they involve engaging recipients in social discussion about the A&F
23. Knowledge/learning	13	If it creates opportunities to learn
24. User-guided experience	6	When complex information is scaffolded to allow a recipient to get more information if and when they want
25. In-person A&F	2	When provided with human contact
26. Responding to A&F providers	2	If they allow the recipient an opportunity to indicate why a recommended action was not taken.
Other
27. Opportunity costs	7	When there are few costs to change behavior
28. Environment	4	If the environment encourages the desired behavior as the default.
29. Development process involvement	2	When recipients have been involved in the design of the A&F
30. Single hypotheses	10	If they imply some kind of extended commitment; if the recipient generates a response immediately prior to receiving the A&F; if the goal is made public; if it is provided to the intended target for behavior change; it includes multiple modes of information (e.g., pictures and text)