Abstract
BackgroundIn 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.MethodOur 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%).ResultsThe 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.ConclusionThe consensus on definition and scope of behavioral medicine and ISBM’s tasks and goals provides a foundational step toward achieving these goals.
Highlights
The field of behavioral medicine was originally defined at the Yale Conference on behavioral medicine, more than 40 years ago [1]
Paper The core group prepared a discussion paper, drawing on previous publications [1, 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12], previous discussions at the International Society of Behavioral Medicine (ISBM) Governing Council meeting and a session held at the International Congress of Behavioral Medicine (Santiago, November 2018) [14]
Behavioral medicine is a field of research and practice that builds on collaboration among multiple disciplines
Summary
The field of behavioral medicine was originally defined at the Yale Conference on behavioral medicine, more than 40 years ago [1]. The definition was developed by a group of outstanding scholars from North America, aiming to increase communications of theory, research, and applications in the field, as well as to facilitate access to research funding [2]. 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. 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
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