This project originated as Request for Proposal issued in May 2014 by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. (Leidos Biomed), on behalf of the Behavioral Research Program (BRP) within the National Cancer Institute’s Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences. BRP initiates, supports, and evaluates a comprehensive program of research ranging from basic behavioral research to the development, testing, and dissemination of interventions in areas such as tobacco use, screening, dietary behavior, and sun protection.

The RFP solicited proposals to conduct a systematic review of the representation of individuals with multiple chronic conditions in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of behavioral and psychosocial interventions. This project was inspired by a recent systematic review of the representation of patients with multiple chronic conditions in RTCs published in high-impact general medical and specialized journals (Jadad, To, Emara, & Jones, 2011). The goal was to conduct a systematic review to assess the frequency with which research participants with multiple chronic conditions are represented in all or a representative subset of RCTs of behavioral and psychosocial interventions published in general medical and specialized journals, published within the last decade or decade and a half, that focus on behavioral medicine and behavioral science, health psychology, social science, and public health.

Dr. Graham Colditz’ team was selected to carry out the project based on their submitted proposal.  Work began September 2014 and the initial report was completed September 2015.

This project relates to the programmatic interests of BRP and the Basic Biobehavioral and Psychological Sciences Branch (BBPSB). The Surveillance Research Program (SRP) shares an interest in the effects of multiple chronic conditions on cancer specific- and all-cause survival. Further, this project could inform larger efforts across the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health to further understand and improve the health of individuals with multiple chronic conditions.