Communication, Basic Concepts of

Health communication involves the process of sharing, seeking, and making sense of health-related information. People are involved in health communication when they seek and provide medical attention, but also when they talk to neighbors and loved ones about health and when they encounter (or distribute) health-related messages via the Internet, television, movies, magazines, and other venues.

Scholars and practitioners work to deepen their understanding of how communication functions relative to health and what strategies are most effective considering the complex factors involved. This overview of basic communication concepts begins with some of the foundational principles in health communication and the most influential issues, and then outlines the main focus areas within health communication.