Key enablers to facilitate healthy behavior change: workshop summary

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Behavior Science
• Behavioral Economics

Background:

• Rising rates of preventable chronic diseases and healthcare costs necessitate a shift from a healthcare system to a system of health.
• The US Army Surgeon General's vision requires identifying key health enablers to promote healthy behaviors.
• A 2013 workshop convened experts to identify technology-leveragable health enablers.

Framework:

• Public health messaging strategies.
• Modifying health habits and understanding environmental influences on health.
• Goal setting and progress tracking mechanisms.

Implementation:

• The role of incentives in behavior-change interventions.
• Leveraging peer and social networks to foster change.
• Integrating technology to support health enablers.

Implications:

• Evidence-based practices are summarized for key health enablers.
• Consensus on effective strategies for creating sustainable healthy behavior change.
• Potential for technology to enhance the adoption and maintenance of healthy lifestyles.