Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist Competencies: 2023 Expert Consensus Update

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this expert consensus process was to identify the competencies that lifestyle medicine (LM) Intensivists should be expected to have within their skill set. Methods: Expert panel members with experience in intensive, therapeutic lifestyle change (ITLC) updated and expanded a previously published set of competencies for this intensive LM practice, using an established process for developing consensus statements adapted for the topic. The previously published set of competencies was discussed for possible revision and expansion. Proposed changes were assessed for consensus using a modified Delphi process. Results: The expert panel revised the original list of 34 competencies, maintaining the 6 initial proposed topics that were previously published as Specialist Competencies: (1) Practice-Based Learning and Improvement, (2) Patient Care and Procedural Skills (3) Systems-Based Practice, (4) Medical Knowledge, (5) Interpersonal and Communication Skills, and (6) Professionalism. After a series of meetings and an iterative Delphi process of voting and revision, a final set of 46 competency statements for LM Intensivists achieved consensus. Conclusion: These competencies define the scope of practice and desired skill set for LM Intensivists. Further, these competencies establish a standard for certification of LM Intensivists.