ORCID Identifiers
Document Type
Article
Source of Publication
International Journal of Behavioral Medicine
Publication Date
1-1-2020
Abstract
© 2020, The Author(s). 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.
DOI Link
ISSN
Publisher
Springer
Last Page
9
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Keywords
Behavior, Definition, Goals, Medicine
Scopus ID
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Dekker, Joost; Amitami, Marie; Berman, Anne H.; Brown, Helen; Cleal, Bryan; Figueiras, Maria João; Finney Rutten, Lila J.; Fors, Egil A.; Griva, Konstadina; Gu, Jing; Keyworth, Chris; Kleinstäuber, Maria; Lahmann, Claas; Lau, Joseph T.F.; Leplow, Bernd; Li, Li; Malmberg Gavelin, Hanna; Mewes, Ricarda; Mo, Phoenix K.H.; Mullan, Barbara; Penedo, Frank J.; Prins, Judith; Rodríguez Rodríguez, Teresa; Simpson, Sharon A.; Stauder, Adrienne; Tuomisto, Martti T.; Weiss, Deborah Jones; and Nater, Urs M., "Definition and Characteristics of Behavioral Medicine, and Main Tasks and Goals of the International Society of Behavioral Medicine—an International Delphi Study" (2020). All Works. 1183.
https://zuscholars.zu.ac.ae/works/1183
Indexed in Scopus
yes
Open Access
yes
Open Access Type
Hybrid: This publication is openly available in a subscription-based journal/series