Health communication research in the digital age: A systematic review

Abstract

There has been an increased interest in the use of information technology for health and health care delivery. This systematic review examines patterns and trends of research pertaining to the intersection between technology and health communication, determines where gaps exist within the current body of literature, and provides future directions for researchers and practitioners. Drawn from three major databases, a sample of peer-reviewed journal articles (n = 348) published from 2008 to 2012 was coded in terms of research focus, health concern, technology, research method, and research agenda development. The most investigated subject in the literature was online health information, including search, dissemination, and evaluation, followed by telemedicine/electronic medical records, social support, provider–patient relationship, and health intervention. Health literacy, technology access, public health emergency preparedness/response, and health policy advocacy were examined less often. The most studied health concerns were cancer and mental health, followed by HIV/AIDS/STD, general nutrition, diet, exercise/obesity, physical disability, diabetes, and substance/alcohol/tobacco use. Some critical health issues such as heart disease/stroke were not emphasized. The most discussed technology was the Web, including website for health information, web or computer-based intervention program, traditional online forum/support group, email/listserv, and Web 2.0 social media. Newer technologies such as mobile phone and 3D virtual world/virtual reality/video game were not paid equivalent attention. Studies with quantitative methods tripled those that were non-quantitative. In terms of the development of the research agenda, half of the articles focused on how people use technologies for health and health care, while one-quarter investigated the impact of technologies.