TY - JOUR
T1 - Definition and Characteristics of Behavioral Medicine, and Main Tasks and Goals of the International Society of Behavioral Medicine—an International Delphi Study
AU - Dekker, Joost
AU - Amitami, Marie
AU - Berman, Anne H.
AU - Brown, Helen
AU - Cleal, Bryan
AU - Figueiras, Maria João
AU - Finney Rutten, Lila J.
AU - Fors, Egil A.
AU - Griva, Konstadina
AU - Gu, Jing
AU - Keyworth, Chris
AU - Kleinstäuber, Maria
AU - Lahmann, Claas
AU - Lau, Joseph T.F.
AU - Leplow, Bernd
AU - Li, Li
AU - Malmberg Gavelin, Hanna
AU - Mewes, Ricarda
AU - Mo, Phoenix K.H.
AU - Mullan, Barbara
AU - Penedo, Frank J.
AU - Prins, Judith
AU - Rodríguez Rodríguez, Teresa
AU - Simpson, Sharon A.
AU - Stauder, Adrienne
AU - Tuomisto, Martti T.
AU - Weiss, Deborah Jones
AU - Nater, Urs M.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2020, The Author(s).
PY - 2021/6
Y1 - 2021/6
N2 - Background: In the past decades, behavioral medicine has attained global recognition. Due to its global reach, a critical need has emerged to consider whether the original definition of behavioral medicine is still valid, comprehensive, and inclusive, and to reconsider the main tasks and goals of the International Society of Behavioral Medicine (ISBM), as the umbrella organization in the field. The purpose of the present study was to (i) update the definition and scope of behavioral medicine and its defining characteristics; and (ii) develop a proposal on ISBM’s main tasks and goals. Method: Our study used the Delphi method. A core group prepared a discussion paper. An international Delphi panel rated questions and provided comments. The panel intended to reach an a priori defined level of consensus (i.e., 70%). Results: The international panel reached consensus on an updated definition and scope of behavioral medicine as a field of research and practice that builds on collaboration among multiple disciplines. These disciplines are concerned with development and application of behavioral and biomedical evidence across the disease continuum in clinical and public health domains. Consensus was reached on a proposal for ISBM’s main tasks and goals focused on supporting communication and collaboration across disciplines and participating organizations; stimulating research, education, and practice; and supporting individuals and organizations in the field. Conclusion: The consensus on definition and scope of behavioral medicine and ISBM’s tasks and goals provides a foundational step toward achieving these goals.
AB - Background: In the past decades, behavioral medicine has attained global recognition. Due to its global reach, a critical need has emerged to consider whether the original definition of behavioral medicine is still valid, comprehensive, and inclusive, and to reconsider the main tasks and goals of the International Society of Behavioral Medicine (ISBM), as the umbrella organization in the field. The purpose of the present study was to (i) update the definition and scope of behavioral medicine and its defining characteristics; and (ii) develop a proposal on ISBM’s main tasks and goals. Method: Our study used the Delphi method. A core group prepared a discussion paper. An international Delphi panel rated questions and provided comments. The panel intended to reach an a priori defined level of consensus (i.e., 70%). Results: The international panel reached consensus on an updated definition and scope of behavioral medicine as a field of research and practice that builds on collaboration among multiple disciplines. These disciplines are concerned with development and application of behavioral and biomedical evidence across the disease continuum in clinical and public health domains. Consensus was reached on a proposal for ISBM’s main tasks and goals focused on supporting communication and collaboration across disciplines and participating organizations; stimulating research, education, and practice; and supporting individuals and organizations in the field. Conclusion: The consensus on definition and scope of behavioral medicine and ISBM’s tasks and goals provides a foundational step toward achieving these goals.
KW - Behavior
KW - Definition
KW - Goals
KW - Medicine
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U2 - 10.1007/s12529-020-09928-y
DO - 10.1007/s12529-020-09928-y
M3 - Article
C2 - 32909153
AN - SCOPUS:85090547236
SN - 1070-5503
VL - 28
SP - 268
EP - 276
JO - International Journal of Behavioral Medicine
JF - International Journal of Behavioral Medicine
IS - 3
ER -