Health Communication Defined

Health Communication encompasses the study and use of communication strategies to inform and influence individual and community decisions that enhance health. It links the domains of communication and health and is increasingly recognized as a necessary element of efforts to improve personal and public health.

“The art and technique of informing, influencing, and motivating individual, institutional, and public audiences about important health issues.”

“The scope of health communication includes disease prevention, health promotion, healthcare policy, and the business of health care as well as enhancement of the quality of life and health of individuals within the community.”

-Healthy People 2010