Research and Insights

When the pandemic led to global lockdowns in early 2020, the U.S. government quickly reacted with health-related communications that were not accepted universally across the country. But this divide in compliance was not seen everywhere across the globe. Why?

During the early stages of the pandemic, secure messaging became a critical mode of communication for healthcare providers and their patients, addressing, in particular, misinformation about COVID-19.

A woman’s willingness to initiate sexual health conversations with their doctors can make a difference in the quality of care she receives. This research explores whether a woman’s age had any effect on her willingness to take the lead for her own sexual health care.

Research has found that behavioral lifestyle interventions for adolescent obesity treatment is critical to the success of any program hoping to make a difference in the lives of obese or overweight teens. A new study shows that adolescents affected by obesity believe interventions should avoid focusing on weight loss and instead promote a healthy lifestyle.

Communicating effectively with vaccine-hesitant patients is critically important to increase the number of vaccinated individuals in all countries. Research on communicating with vaccine-hesitant patients has demonstrated that good communication can make a difference in patients’ vaccine choices.

Vaping has skyrocketed over the past several years, particularly among 18–24-year-olds, and the effects can be negative. Social media has become a major channel for promoting vaping, and new research examines the characteristics of these promotional social media posts.

UF researchers and colleagues, led by the UF STEM Translational Communication Center, are exploring new approaches to communicating health interventions to patients, including use of an internet-based virtual humans that patients can access through an app.

Dr. Carla Fisher discusses her research on effective mother-daughter and family communication about breast cancer and other chronic diseases, and how clinicians can play a role in fostering that communication.

Secure messaging, online communication between patients and clinicians within the electronic health record, soared almost 50% from pre-COVID-19 to the present. This research explored how to communicate effectively as telemedicine becomes standard.

Effective communication between healthcare workers and patients is critical to shaping risk-reducing practices and coping with rigorous treatment for life-threatening diseases. But communication between family members can be as important in dealing with medical issues.

With breast cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer for women in the U.S. and the leading cause of death for women in the world, it is critical for mothers and daughters to discuss the disease, potential causes and how to reduce risks of developing breast cancer.

CJC researchers identified three types of sexual and reproductive health communication barriers reported by parents and/or children internationally: personal, communal, and cultural.

Wearable devices such as smartwatches could play an increasingly important role in healthcare. But providers have given wearable devices mixed reviews: while some laud their contribution to patient care, others are more skeptical of their accuracy and efficacy.

Minority populations, particularly Black men, have a greater incidence, prevalence, and mortality rate from prostate cancer than other groups. Because of this, communicating pertinent medical information and disseminating materials specific to Black men is critical to combat this trend.

Young adults are navigating physical, cognitive, and psychological changes, and transitioning into a more independent time of their life including social life and making more decisions on their own. They often grapple with unique issues when faced with a cancer diagnosis.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. It’s also the leading cause of death for women globally. But educational information that doesn’t take into account cultural differences among women may not be as effective as communication embracing those differences.

Research has shown that primary care providers (PCPs) play a critical role in influencing whether cancer patients choose to participate in cancer clinical trials. Yet only a small number of surveyed PCPs reported discussing the possibility of participation in clinical trials with their patients.

CJC researchers created a cancer clinical trial information website and conducted a study to determine if the site would increase trial comprehension and, ultimately, participation in cancer trials.

Family medicine physicians have begun to integrate acupuncture into their conventional treatments. One way to help physicians communicate information and understanding about acupuncture and its benefits is through the use of metaphor.

The impact of stress on medical residents continues to be a major concern in the medical community, given that the well-being of practitioners is critical for the quality and safety of patient care.  A new study suggests that stress management training could help.

Research explores how to better recruit COPD patients, particularly from marginalized populations, for research studies.

Mobile health technology affords patients the opportunity to get the medical expertise they need without a physical visit to a practitioner’s office or a run to the emergency room. But, for it to be truly worthwhile, the technology must be accessible to patients and simple enough to navigate.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths for women. Understandably, women often look for ways to decrease their chances of having breast cancer, not only for themselves, but also for their daughters. Unfortunately, that isn’t always a simple task.

Family stories about mental illness shared from one generation to another can both reinforce stereotypes and yet still teach children important lessons and expectations about the management of such illnesses, according to a new pilot study.

Many health campaigns have sought to change drinking habits and prevent alcohol abuse. These campaigns often rely on fear-based or humor messages to convey the dangers of alcohol abuse. Researchers are now testing whether these emotions change people’s perceived risk or intent to drink, especially among college students.

Attitudes of primary care physicians play a key role in a recently diagnosed cancer patient’s access to and beliefs about clinical trial treatments. Acting as opinion ambassadors, they have the power to influence their patients’ attitudes and behaviors.

Faced with dwindling resources, and a news cycle that never sleeps, today’s health journalists must meet a new challenge: provide complete, trustworthy content on health care issues with precision at the same breakneck speed with which the medical field innovates.

The result of good doctor-patient communication is clear – patients make more informed decisions, have better quality of life, and have lower incidences of anxiety.

Advertising Assistant Professor Carla Fisher is on a quest to help mothers and daughters better communicate about breast cancer and its risks, as well as integrate communication science into clinical practice.

STEM Translational Communication Center researchers examine the most effective ways to communicate about colorectal cancer risks.

To win the fight against cancer, UF STEM Translational Communication Center researchers are exploring how we communicate about cancer—both with each other and with the wider community.

It’s no revelation that social media have changed the way we learn and communicate new information. But is it an effective way to communicate health risks associated with cancer? STEM Translational Communication Center researchers investigate.

Funny health campaign videos are only as effective as their social media platform and associated comments.

Showing empathy is critical for medical practitioners who often have to discuss sensitive medical information with patients. How providers talk to patients – demonstrating empathy– can lead to better health outcomes.

Breast cancer patients who know what information to share and how or when to share it have better health outcomes than patients who hold back.

We talk with Journalism Professor Kim Walsh-Childers about her new book Mass Media and Health: Examining Media Impact on Individuals and the Health Environment.

Metaphors can help researchers communicate with patients about clinical trials. A patient’s ability to understand medical information, however, may influence which metaphor works best.