1. Definition and Characteristics of Behavioral Medicine, and Main Tasks and Goals of the International Society of Behavioral Medicine—an International Delphi Study
- Author
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Lila J. Finney Rutten, Maria João Figueiras, Joost Dekker, Judith B. Prins, Egil Andreas Fors, Teresa Rodríguez Rodríguez, Helen Brown, Maria Kleinstäuber, Deborah Jones Weiss, Joseph Lau, Claas Lahmann, Frank J. Penedo, Sharon Anne Simpson, Martti T. Tuomisto, Urs M. Nater, Hanna Malmberg Gavelin, Jing Gu, Phoenix K. H. Mo, Bernd Leplow, Li Li, Marie Amitami, Ricarda Mewes, Adrienne Stauder, Chris Keyworth, Bryan Cleal, Anne H. Berman, Barbara Mullan, Konstadina Griva, Laboratory Specialized Diagnostics & Research, Rehabilitation medicine, APH - Aging & Later Life, APH - Mental Health, and APH - Health Behaviors & Chronic Diseases
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,Behavior ,Psykologi ,Scope (project management) ,Public health ,Delphi method ,Definition ,Full Length Manuscript ,Other Medical Sciences not elsewhere specified ,Field (computer science) ,Women's cancers Radboud Institute for Health Sciences [Radboudumc 17] ,03 medical and health sciences ,Health psychology ,0302 clinical medicine ,Behavioral medicine ,Övrig annan medicin och hälsovetenskap ,medicine ,Psychology ,Medicine ,Engineering ethics ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Goals ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery ,Applied Psychology - Abstract
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.
- Published
- 2021
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