The present and future of blended care: current research and introduction to the B-FIT framework
Bielinski LL, Büscher R, Hennemann S, Henning C, Kohl SH, Meyer C, Reinhold AS, Steubl LS, Titzler I, Vogel L, Zarski AC, Schaeuffele C (2026)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2026
Journal
Book Volume: 9
Article Number: 436
Journal Issue: 1
DOI: 10.1038/s41746-026-02526-4
Abstract
Blended care (BC), combining face-to-face therapy with digital components, is gaining momentum in the field of mental health, yet lacks conceptual clarity. This perspective paper outlines a dimensional conceptualization of BC and introduces the B-FIT (Blend-Focus-Integration-Timing) framework. We highlight the need to refine the theoretical foundations of BC, strengthen the evidence base for its effectiveness, and integrate stakeholder perspectives to inform future research and support the successful implementation of BC.
Authors with CRIS profile
Involved external institutions
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU)
Germany (DE)
Philipps-Universität Marburg
Germany (DE)
Freie Universität Berlin
Germany (DE)
Universität Bern
Switzerland (CH)
Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
Germany (DE)
Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz (JGU)
Germany (DE)
Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg
Germany (DE)
Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen
Germany (DE)
Universitätsklinikum Mannheim / University Medical Centre Mannheim (Universitätsmedizin Mannheim)
Germany (DE)
Deutsches Zentrum für Psychische Gesundheit (DZPG)
Germany (DE)
Germany (DE)
Philipps-Universität Marburg
Germany (DE)
Freie Universität Berlin
Germany (DE)
Universität Bern
Switzerland (CH)
Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
Germany (DE)
Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz (JGU)
Germany (DE)
Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg
Germany (DE)
Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen
Germany (DE)
Universitätsklinikum Mannheim / University Medical Centre Mannheim (Universitätsmedizin Mannheim)
Germany (DE)
Deutsches Zentrum für Psychische Gesundheit (DZPG)
Germany (DE)
How to cite
APA:
Bielinski, L.L., Büscher, R., Hennemann, S., Henning, C., Kohl, S.H., Meyer, C.,... Schaeuffele, C. (2026). The present and future of blended care: current research and introduction to the B-FIT framework. npj Digital Medicine, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-026-02526-4
MLA:
Bielinski, Laura Luisa, et al. "The present and future of blended care: current research and introduction to the B-FIT framework." npj Digital Medicine 9.1 (2026).
BibTeX: Download