Effective Strategies for Communicating Public Health Findings with the Media and Policymakers
URL: http://www.academyhealth.org/Training/ResourceDetail.cfm?itemnumber=9623
October 25, 2012, 1:00-2:30 PM ET.
This webinar will provide pointers for how researchers can effectively communicate health services research (HSR) and public health services and systems research (PHSSR) findings with decision-makers.
One of the advice I got before entering my Ph.D. program was to make sure I focus on theory. Those of us in communication love theory. While I’m still trying to figure out which theories will form part of my long-term research agenda, I’m very much drawn to Everett Roger’s work on diffusion of innovations/information. This is a very important theory in communication in general but particularly so in understanding health communication exposure and effects. So, I was quite excited to see the folks over at thornely & hill create an inforgraphic about diffusions of innovations.
So, what is diffusion of innovations about? See more after the jump.
Part 1 of our interview with Kallia Wright. We will be posting more CHC video profile’s of persons working in health communication or related fields. Please like and/or subscribe to our YouTube channel if you would like to see more videos like this!
It is so inspiring to see Caribbean nationals rise to positions of this stature! She follows in the footsteps of PAHO Director Sir George Alleyne (1995-2003) from Barbados.
In a recent article in Dominica News Online, Dominica’s Health Minister promised to “draft legislation to raise taxes on tobacco products to 75 percent of the purchase price, ban the sale of tobacco products to minors, ensure proper labeling of content of the harmful nature of the product and ban on the advertising of tobacco products.” This is very much in line with regulations from the World Health Organization. Additionally, this news follows Australia’s recent decision to ban tobacco company logos on cigarette packages. Instead, the boxes will show graphic labels of the effects of tobacco.
I applaud the Health Minister for taking steps such as these towards ensuring a healthier nation. But believe there are several other areas that need attention as well, including alcohol and fast-food advertising. I am constantly bombarded by advertising for alcoholic products and fast-food options whenever I listen to Dominica radio. These ads air prominently at times when children are likely to be home. No amount of “drink responsibly” counters the constant stream of engaging music and on-air mentions that hosts devote to alcohol advertising.
It is difficult for health communicators to change individual behavior when the environment is filled with so much counter-advertising. It is great to see the government consider factors beyond individual-level behavior and see the importance of public policy in effectuating change.
Caribbean Health Communication Blog 