Question

Create your own thread with the title of this section, Introduction to Health Communication. Your answers are due on 9/7 by 11:59 PM. NO LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL BE READ. Respond to another student's DB by replying to the original DB post by 9/9.

You will not be able to see other students' posts until you submit your own post.

Using the readings in this section and slides, answer the 5 questions below -

1. Explain to a friend what health communication is.

2. Explain to a friend why health communication is important.

3. What role does health communication play in medical errors?

4. What role can patients play in reducing medical errors?

5. What role does health communication play in your life?

Answer 1

1. Health communication is the study and practice of communicating promotional health information such as in public health campaigns,health education and between doctor and patient.The purpose of disseminating health information is to influence personal health choices by improving health literacy. Health communication is a unique niche in healthcare that allows professional use communication strategies to inform and influence decisions and actions of the public to improve health. Because effective health communication must be tailored for the audience and the situations. Research in to health communications seeks to refine. Communication stategies to inform people about ways to enhance health or to avoid specific health risks.

2. The healthcare systems around the world are making full use of the communication methods to improve quality of healthcare services provided and peoples life.They are utilizing the newly developed information and communication technologies to bring required socio economic changes in the areas as diverse as health and education system.

3. Begin by stating there has been an error.Describe the course of events using non technical language.State the nature of the mistake,consequences and corrective actions.Express personal regret and apologize.Elicit questions or concerns and address them.And plan the next step and next contact with the patient.

4. Patients and the carers will usually be the first to notice any observable problems resulting from medication errors.They will probably be unable to distinguish between medication errors,adverse drug reactions,or side effects. A medication error is not the same as an adverse drug reaction,although the two may overlap.

5.The role of health communication in our life is seen to have relevance for virtually every aspect of health and wellbeing including disease prevention,health promotion and quality of life.