Communication Theory and Health Communication Practice: The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same¹

Abstract

This article considers one of the most fundamental concerns of health communication scholars, educators, and professionals--the relationship between communication theory and health communication practice. Assertions about the important role of communication in health care--as both problem and potential solution--have become increasingly common, as have discussions of theoretical advances in communication and health communication. That said, the fundamental challenge of improving provider-patient communication, and health communication outcomes more generally, persists--and, indeed, appears to be resistant to change. Inadequacies in the articulation and translation of communication theory for health care practice represent a substantial part of the problem. Scholars of communication embrace the complexity and nuanced nature of the process. However, when communication concepts are appropriated within health care discourse and practice, the complexity and nuance are often glossed over, favoring instead simpler, information-exchange perspectives. The changing health care and wellness landscape, with its growing range of health information services, sources, and settings, is unlikely to alleviate the consequences of this translation problem; rather, it threatens to exacerbate it. This article examines these issues, provides illustrations of situations that are emblematic of the translational gap, and highlights concepts that may help to enrich the contribution of communication theory in health care, health education, and professional practice.

Attitudes towards communication skills among nursing students and its association with sense of coherence

“…Communication is an important topic, perceived as inevitable for providing effective and high quality health care among both patients and health care professionals. Research evidence has shown the import role of communication in a number of health care related outcomes, such as better utilization of health care, better patient compliance, higher social support, or improved clinical outcomes and prevention [1][2][3]. Research findings also showed that contrary to expectations, most patients did not report that their most memorable experiences were related to the clinical or technical quality of the care they received, but rather they were associated with the personal attitude or interpersonal communication by health care professionals [1].…”

“…Research evidence has shown the import role of communication in a number of health care related outcomes, such as better utilization of health care, better patient compliance, higher social support, or improved clinical outcomes and prevention [1][2][3]. Research findings also showed that contrary to expectations, most patients did not report that their most memorable experiences were related to the clinical or technical quality of the care they received, but rather they were associated with the personal attitude or interpersonal communication by health care professionals [1]. Street et al [2] conclude that the pathways through which the quality of clinicians/ patient communication can influence the health outcomes may be both direct and indirect.…”

Developing an educational intervention based on the Social Marketing Model and evaluating its effects on healthy breakfast and snack consumption among female adolescent students: a mixed method study

“…A key point in using healthy behavior promotion channels is that the communication should create appropriate cognitive responses in clients. For instance, if the communication arouses negative thoughts or imaginations about the message sender, clients will not be persuaded to engage in the intended behavior [41]. One of the aims of SM-based interventions is to use user-preferred channels to make a given product, its price, and its place pleasurable to its clients [42].…”

Improving clinical skills to support the emotional and psychological well-being of patients with end-stage renal disease: a qualitative evaluation of two interventions

“…For this qualitative study, the interventions were not placed within a theoretical framework. Any future research, however, would benefit from the explicit incorporation of a theoretical framework to measure and describe mechanisms of change: patient–clinician communication theory [ 57 , 58 ] or communication constructs integrated with theories of self-efficacy [ 59 ] and enablement [ 60 ] appear relevant.…”