bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance
Authors: Noe Jessica L. , Jackson Taylor L. , Broderick Michael L. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Performance studies has grown in popularity as a theoretical and methodological tool for informing health communication inquiries and projects. Performance looks to the nuanced, messy, everyday‐ness of itself, privileging the body as a key site of inquiry or subjugated knowledge. Sharing entanglements with intersectional feminism, advocacy, and social justice, performance necessitates complexity and cultural contextuality. Given that qualitative approaches in health communication have sought to expand the discipline and what constitutes “health,” performance studies continues not only to push what counts as methodology and forms of representation, but also to stretch the definitional boundaries of “health.” The performative body is necessarily always a political one, concerned with that which is both personal and socially shared. Performance provides not only a theoretical lens for making sense of community actions, priorities, and methods of engagement, but also offers methods for engagement through creative outlets like theater activism, song and dance, protest, play, and performative writing. From the use of performative storytelling as a method of treatment and recovery from post‐traumatic stress disorder, to the engagement with community theater in working toward public health initiatives, performance paradigms have been successfully utilized to inform many scholarly health communication endeavors.
Clinical Conversations with Older Patients
Authors: Greene Michele G. , Adelman Ronald D. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
As the older population continues to grow across the United States and the world, it is essential to understand the critical role that communication between physicians and older patients plays in patient health and healthcare. In this entry we examine the literature that provides insight into the processes and content of communication in clinical medical encounters between physicians and older patients. We start with a discussion of the structural and individual aspects of ageism, namely, negative stereotypes about older individuals. We further examine some similarities and differences in communication between physicians and older and younger patients. Older patients are more likely to have multiple chronic conditions, problems with vision and hearing, cognitive issues, and polypharmacy, and to be accompanied to the medical visit than younger patients. These factors all impact clinical conversations. The difficult‐to‐talk‐about issues, like end‐of‐life concerns, the onset of dementia, and caregiving problems are briefly presented. Like patients of all ages, older individuals desire compassionate and effective treatment and care by their physicians.
Communication Skills Training Programs with Practicing Clinicians
Authors: Banerjee Smita C. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Communication skills training (CST) programs for clinicians are heralded as the gold‐standard method of improving clinician–patient communication. This entry describes CST programs for clinicians, beginning with a brief review of available literature on the content and format of CST programs (type, mode, duration), evidence of CST effectiveness, and implications, and describing one case example of a CST program developed for use in an oncology setting at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). The case study describes MSKCC's in‐house‐developed CST program, with a focus on content areas, format, and measurement and effectiveness. Overall, the existing data point toward success of CST programs for clinician‐level outcomes, and the growing need to focus on patient‐reported outcomes. A summary of the entry along with recommendations for future research are provided at the end.
Nursing Communication in Healthcare
Authors: Clayton Margaret F. , Scherr Courtney L. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Nursing is a licensed profession with an overall approach to improving health at the personal, family, community, and population level. Nurses use patient‐centered communication skills to build relationships, elicit patient and family values and goals of care, physically and emotionally support patients and families, and plan effective appropriate care that aligns with family and patient preferences. Nursing education comprises multiple levels of practice, licenses, certification, and scholarship; accredited programs require communication skill training. In addition many nursing specialty organizations such as the End‐of‐Life Nursing Education Consortium have developed communication skills programs focusing on communication skills tailored to specialty areas of nursing practice. Scientific collaboration of nursing and health communication scholars is ideal because of shared research interests, similar theoretical foci, and a joint desire to facilitate optimal patient care and outcomes. Collaboration enhances the richness of inquiry about how to best meet healthcare needs. Scholars who are considered boundary spanners, representing dual citizenship across clinical and health communication disciplines, have great potential to advance communication in healthcare. Working together, nurses and health communication scholars have an opportunity to investigate, facilitate, and enhance communication during healthcare. Together we can further understanding of factors that impact patient care and outcomes as well as enhance the translation of findings into practice.
Toxicity
Authors: Baglia Jay 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

This entry begins by describing the etymology of the word “toxic,” its use in antiquity, the ways medical practitioners, philosophers, and naturalists – such as Hippocrates, Aristotle, Dioscorides, and Galen – recognized and chronicled the dangers of toxic plants, animals, and minerals as well as their antidotes and potential benefits in healing and alleviating suffering. This is followed by medieval and Renaissance approaches to toxicity. Most notably, Paracelsus – considered today the Father of Toxicology – and his dose concept brought the recognition of chemical compounds and threshold effects to sixteenth‐century Europe. The era now known as the Anthropocene brings with it human‐produced toxic properties, replacing natural toxins as the central focus of scientific inquiry and concern. Rachel Carson's
Silent Spring
drew widespread public attention to the risks of toxic chemicals on the human body. Its publication resulted in community responses, mobilization, and activism and was marked by the differences in lay and “expert” definitions of risk. The final section of this entry invites health communication researchers to consider the contemporary problem of toxicity as an important focus of environmental health scholarship.
Social Networks
Authors: Friemel Thomas N. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
A social network perspective on health communication emphasizes the relational characteristic of health communication and health behavior. The relevancy of this relational perspective is most evident regarding communicable diseases such as infections. However, empirical evidence shows that the same social structures and dynamics are of relevance for physical activity, substance use, mental well‐being, and most other health‐related issues. Even though these behaviors are not contagious in a biological sense, they are transmitted by the means of various forms of communication. Social networks are defined as a set of nodes and their relations (ties). With respect to health communication, the most important social networks encompass people and their communicative actions. But also healthcare organisations and their information exchange can be studied as a social network. Hence, social networks are by no means limited to online networks. Among the most important insight of network analytical studies is the distinction of social selection and influence processes. An increasing body of literature suggests that the selection of similar others may have a stronger effect on the network structure than social influence processes. This means that the similarity of health behavior within a social group (for example, social norms regarding substance use) is caused by the creation of friendship ties among like‐minded persons and is less the result of a diffusion process by opinion leaders and peer influence. Such insights not only help to understand the relational nature of health behavior but are crucial to inform (communicative) intervention strategies.
Experimental Research/Randomized Control Trials: Clinical
Authors: Folkvord Frans , Lupiáñez‐Villanueva Francisco , Febrer Nuria , Gunderson Laura 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The influence of health communication has increased rapidly during the last decades. Therefore, it is essential to provide evidence‐based recommendations to relevant stakeholders (e.g., health professionals, politicians, researchers) on how to use health communication effectively in order to improve individuals' health. Experiments, particularly randomized controlled trials, have the potential to detect and test causal relationships between concepts. First, we discuss what defines an experiment, types of experimental designs, and the procedures that need to be followed in order to have a reliable and valid experimental design. Subsequently, we will discuss the disadvantages of experiments and how these can be mitigated. Finally, we elaborate on the usefulness of conducting experimental designs for scientific research in health communication.
Stakeholder Engagement
Authors: Tan Naomi Qiu Pin , Kaur‐Gill Satveer 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Stakeholder engagement is a central process to creating sustainable and successful community‐engaged health interventions. Strategies for recognizing, determining, selecting, and cultivating valuable stakeholder relationships when building community‐engaged health outcomes are discussed. Studies report that successful stakeholder engagement can prove effective in community‐engaged health promotion. This entry provides an overview of stakeholder relationships for community‐engaged health interventions. A breakdown of various stakeholders in the health communication literature is highlighted in this entry, including the community, organizations, government, and policymakers.
Digital Stress
Authors: Freytag Anna , Hefner Dorothée 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
With the ever‐increasing prevalence of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and their penetration into the professional and private contexts of people of all ages, negative effects of digital communication and permanent connectedness are also coming to the fore, and digital stress is becoming an increasingly important issue in health communication practice and research. We define digital stress as stress elicited by the confrontation or interaction with, use of, or cognitive orientation toward digital ICTs. Resulting from an imbalance between situational demands and available coping resources, digital stress can be triggered by specific digital media use behaviors, cognitive orientations toward them (e.g., online vigilance), and socioemotional challenges (e.g., fear of missing out). Well‐researched digital stressors are, for instance, multitasking and communication overload. Digital stress manifests itself in physiological, affective, or behavioral responses and not only has a negative effect on people's well‐being but also carries the risk for a multitude of further severe negative health outcomes.
Games/Gaming for Health
Authors: DeSmet Ann , Vandebosch Heidi , Schwarz Ayla 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Serious digital games use the game's entertaining characteristics for a “serious” health learning, treatment, or behavior change purpose. Serious digital games have been used and shown to be effective in a variety of health settings (i.e., medical training, rehabilitation, mental health treatment, prevention and health promotion). Effects are, however, not always observed for all outcomes and behavioral changes may be short‐lived. More experimental research is needed on what drives effectiveness. Current insights show that theoretical foundations and individual tailoring are important for serious digital health games' effects. The intrinsically motivating, fun aspect of games is expected to rub off on the health context itself and intensify the engagement with health interventions. Different aspects of the game can increase user engagement, including aesthetics, mechanics, and dynamics. Care needs to be taken when designing serious digital games for health to avoid potential negative effects, for example on aggression, addiction, and sleep. Some considerations in perceived realism and metaphorical representations may also be needed to ensure transfer effects to real‐life situations are achieved. Although the field of serious digital health games has vastly expanded in recent years and its potential has been amply demonstrated, some challenges remain. These include a need for more sufficiently powered experimental studies into moderators of effects, and using options that can reduce cost and development time, that is, integrating open‐source and commercial off‐the‐shelf tools.
Health Informatics
Authors: Medlock Stephanie , Groos Sara S. , de Wildt Kelly K. , Westerbeek Leonie 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Health informatics (also referred to as medical informatics or biomedical informatics) is an interdisciplinary field that deals with health‐related data in healthcare and with the technologies that are used to support healthcare services. While the goal of some health informatics systems is to automate processes, the more common goal is to help clinicians, patients, policymakers, and others to manage health information, and to communicate that information efficiently and effectively to end users. Thus, there is considerable overlap between the fields of health informatics and health communication, and this intriguing intersection between the two fields opens many opportunities for innovation. Health communication is often visible in health informatics in the area of patient communication. Examples of this include patient self‐management tools that support behavior change. Correspondingly, health informatics is often visible in health communication in the use of computational methods and “big data” to build on communication theory. Future research in health communication will likely involve more and more intensive use of information technology. This can bring exciting new possibilities for both interventions and analytical techniques, yet researchers should ensure that information technology interventions respect participants' privacy and guarantee their safety. Investigating the effect of information technology on communications between healthcare professionals and with patients also offers interesting opportunities for collaborative research.
Entertainment‐Education (Effects)
Authors: Riley Amy Henderson , Sood Suruchi , Wang Hua 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Entertainment‐education (EE) was first defined as a health communication strategy that used media designed to increase individual knowledge, change attitudes, and shift behavior. Early EE programs focused on family planning and other health issues and utilized a long‐running narrative format on radio and television. Early EE effects research focused on individual‐level data and outcomes, such as knowledge and behavior, to understand if EE worked. Over time, the definition of EE has evolved to reflect a changing global media landscape and new and emerging health priorities. Additionally, EE effects research has progressed to align with contemporary theories of individual and social change and more advanced social science research methodologies. The social ecological model (SEM) posits that multifaceted personal and environmental factors interact to influence an individual's behavior. EE effects research now considers factors across levels of the SEM, including individual‐level, interpersonal‐level, and community‐level outcomes. Four exemplary EE programs illustrate effects across the SEM: (i)
Twende na Wakati
(
Let's Go with the Times
; a radio program focused on HIV/AIDS from Tanzania; (ii)
Kyunki … Jeena Issi Ka Naam Hai
(
Because … That's What Life Is
; a television program focused on maternal and child health from India); (iii)
Soul City
(a multimedia program focused on gender‐based violence and HIV/AIDS in South Africa); and (iv)
East Los High
(a transmedia program focused on teen pregnancy and other topics in the United States). Future EE research will require creative research design and advanced tools for measuring effects across multiple levels of the SEM, across different media platforms, using state‐of‐the‐art tools and mixed methods, for emerging and urgent health crises, and to demonstrate change over time.
Media, Quality of Health Information
Authors: Diviani Nicola , Rubinelli Sara , Fiordelli Maddalena 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Although health‐related information has always been present on the media, quality of health information is a relatively recent topic in health communication research. The interest in the issue has been stimulated by concerns regarding the uncontrolled nature of the information available online and its possible consequences for consumers. There are three main streams of research in the field. First, work aimed at defining health information quality, resulting in the identification of its numerous dimensions or attributes, which are related to the information itself, to the context, and to the users. Second, research aimed at developing assessment tools and guidelines, which has allowed the assessment of the actual quality of information available, showing that it is suboptimal. Third, work aimed at understanding the consumers' perception of health information quality and their ability to evaluate it. This last research line highlighted a need for more awareness on the issue among consumers of health information, a challenge that has now been taken up by health literacy research. Main limitations of research in the field include the lack of clear data on the actual impact of bad quality information on health outcomes and the lack of effective interventions to support users in their evaluation of health information quality. Following the declaration of an infodemic related to the COVID‐19 pandemic, health information quality is now a hot topic in health communication as well as for the whole society. Hopefully this will contribute to significantly move forward the research agenda on the topic and overcome its current limitations.
Adherence (Medication)
Authors: Cusanno Brianna R. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Medication (non)adherence refers to the extent to which patients ingest medications as prescribed by their clinician. Most (non)adherence research is based on the premise that raising adherence rates will improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare spending. Health communication researchers have added to our understanding of medication (non)adherence by (i) examining patient characteristics and behaviors that correlate with adherence rates; (ii) exploring connections between clinician–patient communication and adherence; and (iii) designing and evaluating interventions to raise adherence rates. However, dominant approaches to medication (non)adherence research have been critiqued for excluding patient perspectives and obscuring injustices within healthcare systems that make medication taking challenging, particularly for marginalized patients. Future communication research on medication‐taking behaviors may focus less on the extent to which patients do (not) adhere, and more on how meanings of medication taking are communicatively constructed in healthcare interactions.
Empathic Communication and Emotions
Authors: Iannarino Nicholas T. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The communication of empathy between patients and clinicians in healthcare interactions is an important, learnable skill. Empathy occurs when interactants understand one another's perspectives and emotions, and communicate that understanding to one another. Health communication researchers have highlighted empathy's benefits in patient–clinician interaction, the healthcare contexts in which empathy is and is not expressed, and the barriers clinicians and patients can face in communicating empathy with one another. Researchers have also developed training programs to help clinicians respond to patients' emotional expressions with empathy, which can elicit benefits for patients, clinicians, and the patient–clinician relationship.
Question Prompt Lists
Authors: Eggly Susan , Hamel Lauren M. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Question prompt lists (QPLs) are a communication tool provided to patients to prepare them for clinical interactions with clinicians in specific medical settings. They are designed to empower patients to gain the information they need to manage their own care by actively participating in patient–clinician interactions. They are generally provided in the hours or days prior to a clinic visit in a paper‐based or electronic format and consist of a structured list of questions patients can consider asking clinicians. QPLs are developed using qualitative and community‐engaged research and have been tested in a wide variety of oncology and other medical settings. Studies using self‐report and observational methods have consistently demonstrated that the use of QPLs increases patient active participation during medical consultations. Researchers have also investigated other outcomes, including clinician communication during consultations and patient psychological and medical outcomes following consultations. Questions remain about mechanisms through which QPLs may improve outcomes, whether and how they may benefit specific patient populations, and the extent to which prompting patients' companions may further improve outcomes. Given the demonstrated benefits of QPLs across many populations and medical settings, wider implementation using implementation science frameworks is warranted.
Patient Satisfaction
Authors: Venetis Maria K. , Brown Clinton L. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Patient satisfaction represents a measure of quality of patient healthcare. Patient satisfaction includes patients' evaluations of how expectations for their healthcare align with perceptions of their experiences. This variable can reflect interactions with single clinicians, medical teams, and/or healthcare organizations. Several variables can influence patient satisfaction. One of the most common and strongest predictors of patient satisfaction is clinician interpersonal communication. Specifically, clinician behaviors that reflect patient‐centered communication are evaluated with high satisfaction. These behaviors include communication that is perceived as kind, supportive, inclusive, and informative. Patients prefer being heard and achieving common ground with clinicians. Other common predictors of patient satisfaction are clinician medical knowledge and skill, logistics of scheduling appointments, waiting times, healthcare costs, and the healthcare environment. When ranking predictors of patient satisfaction, extant literature highlights how elements of hospitality rival considerations of medical knowledge and skill, treatment success, and patient safety. Patient and clinician demographics such as age, gender, and race also influence patient satisfaction.