From the Journals

Behavior Guidance Often Poorly Cited

A systematic review finds that behavior change communication recommendations are rarely substantiated with clearly linked, relevant citations, raising questions about how clinicians are trained

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A systematic review published in BMC Medicine reveals that a majority of behavior change communication guidance for healthcare professionals in general practice lacks robust evidence support. Out of 1,163 recommendations analyzed from 84 sources, only 20% were exclusively backed by relevant evidence. The researchers employed systematic methodologies to assess citation relevance, finding variations based on source type and health behavior categories. Most recommendations on diet and physical activity showed low relevance despite numerous citations. The lack of transparency in citation practices highlights the need for improved training materials that better connect evidence to communication strategies for effective patient interactions.

Original Source(s)

Behavior Guidance Often Poorly Cited

A systematic review finds that behavior change communication recommendations are rarely substantiated with clearly linked, relevant citations, raising questions about how clinicians are trained

  • by Kerri Miller

  • February 20, 2026

  • 4 min

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