Health Communication and Virtual Care

This course focuses on the role of communication in public health, the development and practice of health communication strategies, and how health campaigns, medical journalism, and an increasing community participation in online health outreach impact society and wellbeing. Starting from theories of past and present health communication, students will examine how health information is delivered and perceived, the influence of media on public health outcomes, and the cons/risks of media strategies on healthcare practitioners and beneficiaries. Case studies will be analyzed to gage effectiveness and to discuss the findings of current research and scholarship on communication management in medical systems. Students will be asked to compare communication strategies in international contexts, as well as gain perspective on the implications of health communication as practiced in a country like Italy where healthcare is highly state-subsidized. Prerequisites: Introduction to Public Relations or Communication, an introductory health systems course, or equivalent.