title: The ConNECT Framework: a model for advancing behavioral medicine science and practice to foster health equity.
abstract: Health disparities persist despite ongoing efforts. Given the United States' rapidly changing demography and socio-cultural diversity, a paradigm shift in behavioral medicine is needed to advance research and interventions focused on health equity. This paper introduces the ConNECT Framework as a model to link the sciences of behavioral medicine and health equity with the goal of achieving equitable health and outcomes in the twenty-first century. We first evaluate the state of health equity efforts in behavioral medicine science and identify key opportunities to advance the field. We then discuss and present actionable recommendations related to ConNECT's five broad and synergistic principles: (1) Integrating Context; (2) Fostering a Norm of Inclusion; (3) Ensuring Equitable Diffusion of Innovations; (4) Harnessing Communication Technology; and (5) Prioritizing Specialized Training. The framework holds significant promise for furthering health equity and ushering in a new and refreshing era of behavioral medicine science and practice.
authors: Behavioral Research Center, American Cancer Society, 250 Williams Street NW, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA. kassandra.alcaraz@cancer.org.
authors: Kassandra I
authors: KI
authors: Alcaraz
authors: Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
authors: Jamilia
authors: J
authors: Sly
authors: Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA.
authors: Kimlin
authors: K
authors: Ashing
authors: Center for Injury Research and Prevention, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
authors: Linda
authors: L
authors: Fleisher
authors: Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA.
authors: Virginia
authors: V
authors: Gil-Rivas
authors: College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
authors: Sabrina
authors: S
authors: Ford
authors: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
authors: Jean C
authors: JC
authors: Yi
authors: Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
authors: Qian
authors: Q
authors: Lu
authors: Moffitt Cancer Center, Population Science, Health Outcomes and Behavior, Department of Oncologic Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
authors: Cathy D
authors: CD
authors: Meade
authors: The University of Arizona College of Nursing, Tucson, AZ, USA.
authors: Usha
authors: U
authors: Menon
authors: Moffitt Cancer Center, Population Science, Health Outcomes and Behavior, Department of Oncologic Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
authors: Clement K
authors: CK
authors: Gwede
mesh_terms: D001524:Behavioral Medicine / Q000639:trends*; D000069576:Health Equity / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D012942:Social Sciences / Q000458:organization & administration; D014481:United States
keywords: Behavioral science; ConNECT framework; Disparities; Dissemination; Diversity; Health equity