Behavioral Science

Module Description

This organ system-based module is aimed at understanding the psychological, social, and biological factors influencing health, illness, and healthcare delivery. It combines principles from psychology, sociology, anthropology, and neuroscience to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human behavior in the context of health and disease. Students will explore topics such as patient behavior, healthcare provider interactions, the impact of social determinants on health outcomes, stress and coping mechanisms, and the psychological aspects of illness and treatment. This module prepares students to incorporate behavioral science insights into clinical practice, enhancing patient care, communication, and treatment compliance.

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Module Goals

• To integrate behavioral science principles into the understanding and practice of medicine, improving patient care and communication.

• To develop skills in patient-centered communication, motivational interviewing, and behavioral counseling.

• To analyze the impact of psychological, social, and cultural factors on health, illness, and healthcare delivery.

• To critically evaluate research in behavioral science and its application to medical practice.

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Module Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, students will:

Module Learning Objective	Medical Education Program Objective
Describe common clinical presentations, symptoms, mental status findings, diagnostic considerations, and initial treatment approaches relevant to behavioral health conditions encountered in medical practice.	Knowledge for Practice 8. Apply knowledge of the biomedical sciences to care for patients.
Describe fundamental psychological theories related to human development, motivation, and personality, and understand their relevance to behavior.	Knowledge for Practice 11. Apply principles of social-behavioral sciences to the delivery of healthcare.
Discuss strategies to enhance communication with patients, aiming to improve understanding, empathy, and adherence to medical advice.	Patient Care 5. Counsel and educate patients and their families so that they can participate in their care and enable shared decision making. Personal and Professional Development 18. Employ strategies for seeking, receiving, acting upon, and delivering feedback.
Discuss the basics of creating patient-centered treatment plans that include theoretical behavioral interventions to promote health.	Patient Care 7. Provide health care services to patients, families, and communities aimed at maintaining health and wellbeing. Knowledge for Practice 11. Apply principles of social-behavioral sciences to the delivery of healthcare.
Explain the role of social, cultural, and environmental factors in shaping health behaviors and influencing health outcomes.	Knowledge for Practice 10. Apply principles of public and population health to the identification of health problems, risk factors, treatment strategies, resources, and disease prevention/health promotion efforts for patients and populations. 11. Apply principles of social-behavioral sciences to the delivery of healthcare.
Assess the impact of behavioral factors on disease management and patient outcomes, focusing on the theoretical underpinnings.	Knowledge for Practice 11. Apply principles of social-behavioral sciences to the delivery of healthcare.
Analyze behavioral research findings to identify their implications for health practices, emphasizing theoretical application.	Knowledge for Practice 12. Create and present a scholarly product related to the field of medicine.
Discuss ethical considerations relevant to behavioral research and practice, including issues of consent, confidentiality, and cultural competence.	Practice-Based Learning and Improvement 14. Demonstrate situational and self-awareness to guide thinking and behavior in the practice of medicine. Systems-Based Practice 23. Demonstrate approaches to addressing structural factors that may impact healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
Describe the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing behavioral aspects of health care and understand the value of diverse perspectives in improving patient care.	Patient Care 6. Provide appropriate referral of patients including a focus on continuity of care throughout transitions between providers or settings, and following up on patient progress and outcomes. Interpersonal and Communication Skills 21. Maintain comprehensive, timely medical records.