The value of health communication scholarship: New directions for health communication inquiry

Abstract

Abstract This article provides an overview of the development and growth of the exciting and relevant academic field of health communication scholarship. The key areas of health communication study are described, as are the important applications of this work for promoting health. Key areas for health communication scholarship are examined, such as the promotion of health equity for vulnerable and at-risk populations who often experience serious disparities in health outcomes. The importance of studying the effective dissemination of relevant health information across diverse communication channels and media is also examined. The value of multi-methodological and translational health communication research is explored as an important scholarly process for generating relevant health communication data for guiding evidence-based health communication policies and practices. The need to conduct rigorous health communication research across the continuum of care (prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and end-of-life) is explained. The paper concludes with a description of the value of health communication inquiry for addressing important health issues locally, regionally, nationally, and globally.