Rethinking Communication in the E-health Era

Abstract

There is substantial epidemiological evidence that widespread adoption of specific behavior changes can significantly improve population health. Yet, health communication efforts, while well intentioned, have often failed to engage people to change behavior within the complex contexts of their lives. `E-health communication', health promotion efforts that are mediated by computers and other digital technologies, may have great potential to promote desired behavior changes through unique features such as mass customization, interactivity and convenience. There is growing initial evidence that e-health communication can improve behavioral outcomes. However, we have much to learn about whether the technical promise of e-health communication will be effective within the social reality of how diverse people communicate and change in the modern world. This article examines current evidence concerning e-health communication and evaluates opportunities for e-health applications.

Barriers and facilitators to health care professionals discussing child weight with parents: A meta‐synthesis of qualitative studies

“…The SEM has been previously applied to research in child weight (Davison & Birch, 2001; Huang & Glass, 2008; Steele et al ., 2011). By highlighting the importance of considering influences at the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and organizational/societal levels (Neuhauser & Kreps, 2003), the model helps to conceptualize the range of factors that contribute to this complex topic and identify potential areas for change within a particular organization/setting.…”

Giving Life to Data: University—Community Partnerships in Addressing HIV and AIDS through Building Digital Archives

“…Clearly, however, we are seeing the benefits, as ehealth communication, for example, can improve behavioural outcomes (Neuhauser & Kreps, 2003). Although we still have much to learn about the promise of e-health communication, in this study, one participant felt confident that the digital archive will be effective within the social reality of a rural landscape: 'by having that computer there will be having access to getting more information ... and it will help them with their attitude'.…”

Understanding the diversity of user requirements for interactive online health services

“…Various studies confirm that the Internet plays an increasingly vital role in disseminating health information and has become the most effective medium for facilitating communication to accommodate the public's needs for health information (McGrath et al, 2007, Hernandez, 2009 and is able to overcome some of communication barriers that may exist between patients and their medical practitioners. The Internet can also provide a more interactive environment in which people can share knowledge and ideas, no longer relying on the privileged expert knowledge of medical professionals to enhance their general health and well-being (Neuhauser and Kreps, 2003). This movement away from the 'traditional' model of the expert doctor in charge of patient health management towards a 'patient empowerment' model marks a significant shift in healthcare provision.…”

“…These and other works (Wu, Chen, and Greenes 2009, Propp et al 2010, Hesse and Shneiderman 2007, Neuhauser and Kreps 2003, Ahern 2007 all draw attention to transformation and change in health care resulting from the enabling characteristics of new ICT and the need for studies on how public interactive healthcare services through the use of the Internet can improve people's understanding and management of health issues whilst at the same time accommodating to the different range of needs of individuals and groups in society.…”