Communication plays a major role in how effectively a message or idea is conveyed. Part of becoming a better leader means improving upon communication skills. Health communication is defined by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2012), as the study and use of communication strategies to inform and influence individual decisions that enhance health.
Two of the most defining features of health communication include effective listening and reducing communication misunderstanding. Effective listening is often a neglected communication skill (Kline). This lack of instruction is interesting due to the fact that people spend seven out of every ten minutes awake in some form of communication- 10 percent writing, 15 percent reading, 30 talking, and 45 percent listening (Kline). There are several people who do not have very good listening skills. Being able to listen to others and learn from what they have to say allows for better communication overall. Reducing communication misunderstanding also allows for more effective communication. Misunderstanding the message is a direct barrier to effective communication (Kline). People with different educational backgrounds may use different words that could mean the same thing and in turn create confusion. Eliminating some barriers to communication would allow for more valuable communication.
While completing my undergraduate degree I was involved in a cancer rehabilitation course. For the first six week of the class, there was instruction and the last nine weeks we were given the opportunity to work hands on with cancer survivors, providing initial assessments and training sessions to those who were either receiving treatment or had already completed their treatment and were in remission.
During the instruction portion of the class, the lecturer provided important health information in regards to cancer, cancer treatment, and the effectiveness of exercise during and after treatment. The PowerPoint’s provided risk factors associated with different forms of cancer and lifestyle choices that increase ones risk of getting cancer. This allowed me to understand the implications of certain lifestyle choices and how cancer affects the human body.
The messages provided influenced my decisions regarding exercise and other risk factors associated with cancer such as smoking. I have chosen to partake in regular exercise and to smoke in hopes to decrease my chance of being diagnosed with cancer. This was not only a class but an effective health communication message in reference to cancer.
Overall, health communication is an effective way to influence and enhance health decisions made by individuals. Efficient communication allows for health professionals to convey important health information to the public. Understanding the importance of communication and helpful tools that make communication easier will allow for the messages to be received in a more effective manner.
References
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).(2012).Health communication basics.Retrieved from
Kline, J.Leaders communicating effectively.Retrieved from