Numbers refer to key questions as follows: (1) Is there direct evidence that behavioral/counseling interventions reduce disease morbidity and/or mortality? (2) What is the prevalence of risky behavior(s) in the target group? Are there distinct patient groups for whom different intervention strategies apply? (3) Are there effective, feasible, and reliable assessment tools to identify those in need of interventions? (4) Does the behavioral/counseling intervention result in change in intermediate behavioral or other outcomes? (a) What are the essential elements of efficacious interventions? (b) Are there differences in efficacy in important patient subgroups? (c) How do intervention efficacy and effectiveness compare? (5) Does the behavior change lead to reduced morbidity and/or mortality? Do other intermediate outcomes related to the behavior change lead to decreased morbidity and/or mortality? (6) Is assessment for the behavioral/counseling intervention acceptable to patients? Does it result in adverse effects? (7) Is the behavioral/counseling intervention acceptable to patients? Does it result in adverse effects?
* An intervention condition is a distinct group identified through the assessment process that receives a different intervention. Evidence for each of the intervention conditions may be reviewed separately.