Translational Research

Health communication theorizing and research is conducted within the frameworks of numerous disciplines, often with the aim of translating research in ways designed to improve lives. Academic disciplines form identities related to competencies and professional standards, and disciplinary identities frame insights about theories and systems that contribute possible solutions to health problems. In terms of disciplinary identities, health communication aligns with a number of disciplines to translate research into practice and make significant contributions to the body of knowledge representing health communication. The “health” part of health communication links to disciplines that include public health, health promotion, health education, and patient education, as well as social marketing, medical decision making, and e-health. The “communication” part of health communication draws on such disciplines as communication science, ...