FAQs about CHIBE

What is behavioral economics?

Behavioral economics is a field of inquiry that uses principles of economics and psychology to understand how individuals make decisions and uses those insights to try to help people make choices that are consistent with their own long-term interests.

What does the Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics (CHIBE) do?

CHIBE, which is housed within the Department of Medical Ethics & Health Policy at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, conducts behavioral economic research that makes significant contributions to reducing the disease burden from major U.S. public health problems. CHIBE’s mission is to inform health policy, improve health care delivery, and increase healthy behavior.

Does CHIBE’s research make an impact?

Our research team has conducted a number of impactful studies that have been translated into practice by a range of entities positively influencing health for millions of people. We have designed programs based on our findings that improve both the value and quality of care provided by health plans, employers and health systems. Read about specific examples of CHIBE’s impact here, and check out our CHIBE In the News section to see media coverage of our work.

What are some of CHIBE’s research interests?

Researchers at CHIBE investigate how principles of behavioral economics can be applied to a wide variety of public health concerns, including obesity, food choice, end-of-life decisions, medication adherence, clinician behavior, chronic disease management, mhealth and wearables, global health, physical activity, and smoking cessation.

Who is a part of CHIBE?

CHIBE is made up of a leadership team, external advisory board, internal advisory board, affiliated faculty, trainees, and staff.

We have approximately 100 affiliated faculty members. Around half are faculty members within the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. We also have affiliated faculty within: Penn Law, Nursing, Annenberg School of Communications, School of Arts & Sciences, and Wharton School of Business. In addition, we have around 20 affiliated faculty members from other organizations, such as Carnegie Mellon, Duke, Emory, Harvard, INSEAD, NYU, University of Pittsburgh, Temple, University of Utah, Yale, Johns Hopkins, Columbia, and Kaiser Permanente.

I am part of an organization that wants to partner with CHIBE. How can I do that?

CHIBE has received funding from and developed partnerships with a mix of private and public sector entities that are well-positioned to influence change in the delivery of health care. We welcome opportunities to collaborate with new partners that share the goal of applying behavioral economic insights to improve health and wellness. Email chibe@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.

I’m a student or post-doctoral researcher. Can I work with you?

Yes. We are always interested in working with talented students and post-doctoral researchers focused on behavioral economics and health care innovation. If you would like to inquire about available internships for students and recent graduates, please fill out this Work With Us form.

How can I learn more about what CHIBE is doing?

Follow us on Twitter @PennCHIBE and sign up for our monthly newsletter, The Healthy Nudge.