Joost Dekker, Marie Amitami, Anne H. Berman,Helen Brown, Bryan Cleal, Maria João Figueiras, Lila J. Finney Rutten, Egil A. Fors, Konstadina Griva, Jing Gu, Chris Keyworth, Maria Kleinstäuber, Claas Lahmann, Joseph T. F. Lau, Bernd Leplow, Li Li, Hanna Malmberg Gavelin, Ricarda Mewes, Phoenix K. H. Mo, Barbara Mullan, Frank J. Penedo, Judith Prins, Teresa Rodríguez Rodríguez, Sharon A. Simpson, ADRIENNE STAUDER, Martti T. Tuomisto, Deborah Jones Weiss, Urs M. Nater
International Journal of Behavioral Medicine (2020)
Open access article. Published online: 09 September 2020
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-020-09928-y
ABSTRACT
Background
In the past decades, behavioral medicine has attained global recognition. Due to its global reach, a critical need hasemerged to consider whether the original definition of behavioral medicine is still valid, comprehensive, and inclusive, and toreconsider the main tasks and goals of the International Society of Behavioral Medicine (ISBM), as the umbrella organization inthe field. The purpose of the present study was to (i) update the definition and scope of behavioral medicine and its definingcharacteristics; 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 ratedquestions 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 ofresearch and practice that builds on collaboration among multiple disciplines. These disciplines are concerned with developmentand 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 collaborationacross disciplines and participating organizations; stimulating research, education, and practice; and supporting individuals andorganizations in the field.
Conclusion
The consensus on definition and scope of behavioral medicine and ISBM’s tasks and goals provides a foundationalstep toward achieving these goals.
Keywords
Behavior, Medicine, Definition, Goals