This book contains detailed case studies that demonstrate in-depth applications of communication theory to real-life situations. With chapters written by clinicians as well as communication scholars, the cases included cover a variety of topics, populations, contexts and issues in health communication, including:
- Doctor-patient communication and its importance for subsequent diagnosis and treatment;
- decision-making;
- social identity, in particular the way in which people redefine and renegotiate their social identity;
- Communication dynamics within families and with health professionals in unexpected health situations;
- provision of healthcare
- health campaigns to disseminate health-related information and change behaviour.
Reflecting changes in the science and education of health communication over the past decade, chapters also discuss current topics such as communicating difficult messages, genetic testing, cross-cultural communication, bereaved families and international health campaigns. A list of relevant terms and definitions is provided at the end of each case to help readers make connections between the scenario and the communication theories it reflects.