Patient Education and Counseling
Volume 78, Issue 3 , Pages 329-336 , March 2010

New directions in eHealth communication: Opportunities and challenges

  • Gary L. Kreps

      Affiliations

    • George Mason University, Department of Communication, Fairfax, VA, USA
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +1 703 993 1090; fax: +1 703 993 1096.
    • ,
  • Linda Neuhauser

      Affiliations

    • University of California, Berkeley, School of Public Health, Berkeley, CA, USA

Received 18 January 2010 ,Accepted 21 January 2010.

References 

  1. Neuhauser L, Kreps GL. Ehealth communication and behavior change: promise and performance. Social Semiotics. 2010;20:7–24
  2. Neuhauser L, Kreps GL. Online cancer communication: meeting the literacy, cultural and linguistic needs of diverse audiences. Patient Educ Couns. 2008;71:365–377
  3. Neuhauser L, Kreps GL. The advent of e-health: how interactive media are transforming health communication. Medien & Kommunikations-Wissenchaft. 2003;51:541–556
  4. Kreps GL. Strategic use of communication to market cancer prevention and control to vulnerable populations. Health Market Quart. 2008;25:204–216
  5. Kreps GL. The pervasive role of information in health care: implications for health communication policy. In:  Anderson JA editors. Communication yearbook. Newbury Park, CA: Sage; 1988;p. 236–276
  6. Kreps GL, Bonaguru EW. Health communication as applied communication inquiry. In:  Frey L,  Cissna K editor. The handbook of applied communication research. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum; 2009;p. 970–993
  7. World Health Organization . The global burden of disease. Update ed. Geneva: WHO; 2008;
  8. Institute of Medicine . Fulfilling the potential of cancer prevention and early detection. Washington, DC: National Academies Press; 2003;
  9. US Department of Health and Human Services . Healthy people 2010: conference edition, Volume I [and] Volume II. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office; 2000;
  10. US Department of Health and Human Services . Progress review: nutrition and overweight. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office; 2008;
  11. US Department of Health and Human Services . Progress review: diabetes. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office; 2008;
  12. US Department of Health and Human Services . Progress review: physical activity and fitness. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office; 2008;
  13. Institute of Medicine . Health and behavior: the interplay of biological, behavioral and societal influences. Washington, DC: National Academies Press; 2001;
  14. Smedley BD, Syme SL. Promoting health: intervention strategies from social and behavioral research. Institute of Medicine. Washington, DC: National Academies Press; 2000;
  15. Neuhauser L, Kreps GL. Rethinking communication in the e-health era. J Health Psych. 2003;8:7–22
  16. Hawe P. Making sense of context-level influences on health. Health Educ Res. 1998;13:i–i10
  17. Neuhauser L. Participatory design for better interactive health communication: a statewide model in the U.S.A.. Electron J Commun. (La Revue Electronique de Commun), 2001;11:3–4
  18. Rubin A, Rubin R. Interface of personal and mediated communication: 15 years later. Electron J Commun. (La Revue Electronique de Commun), 2001;11
  19. Walther JB. Computer-mediated communication: impersonal, interpersonal, and hyperpersonal interaction. Commun Res. 1996;23:3–43
  20. Hesse BW, Shneiderman B. eHealth research from the user's perspective. Am J Prevent Med. 2007;32:S97–S103
  21. Pew Internet & American Life Project. Surveys March 2000–2009 [Surveys] http://www.pewinternet.org. (Accessed July 31, 2009).
  22. Internet World Stats News 38, 2009. Downloaded from the Internet at: http://www.internetworldstats.com/pr/edi038.htm on October 12, 2010.
  23. Andreassen HK, Bujnowska-Fedak MM, Chronaki CE, Dumitru RC, Pudule I, Santana S, et al. European citizens’ use of E-health services: a study of seven countries. BMC Public Health. 2007;7:53
  24. Wangberg S, Andreassen H, Kummervold P, Wynn R, Sorensen T. Use of the Internet for health purposes: trends in Norway 2000–2010. Scand J Caring Sci 2009. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-6712.2008.00662.x.
  25. Fox S, Jones S. The Social Life of Health Information. Pew Internet & American Life Project 2009. http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2009/8-The-Social-Life-of-Health-Information.aspx.
  26. Wald HS, Dube CE, Anthony DC. Untangling the web—the impact of Internet use on health care and the physician–patient relationship. Patient Educ Counsel. 2007;68:218–224
  27. Beckjord EB, Finney Rutten LJ, Squiers L, Arora NK, Volckmann L, Moser RP, et al. Use of the Internet to communicate with health care providers in the United States: estimates from the 2003 and 2005 Health Information National Trends Surveys (HINTS). J Med Internet Res. 2007;9:e20
  28. Hong T. Internet health information in the patient–provider dialogue. CyberPsychol Behav. 2008;11:587–589
  29. Rains SA. Perceptions of traditional information sources and use of the world wide web to seek health information: findings from the health information national trends survey. J Health Commun. 2007;12:667–680
  30. McMullan M. Patients using the Internet to obtain health information: how this affects the patient–health professional relationship. Patient Educ Couns. 2006;63:24–28
  31. Iverson SA, Howard KB, Penny BK. Impact of Internet use on health-related behaviors and the patient–physician relationship: a survey-based study and review. J Am Osteopathic Assoc. 2008;108:699–711
  32. Akesson KM, Saveman BI, Nilsson G. Health care consumers’ experiences of information communication technology—a summary of literature. Intl J Med Inform. 2007;76:633–645
  33. Murray E, Burns J, See TS, Lai R, Nazareth I. Interactive Health Communication Applications for people with chronic disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005;4;CD004274
  34. Kivits J. Informed patients and the Internet: a mediated context for consultations with health professionals. J Health Psych. 2006;11:269–282
  35. Hesse BW, Nelson DE, Kreps GL, Croyle RT, Arora NK, Rimer BK, et al. Trust and sources of health information: the impact of the Internet and its implications for health care providers: findings from the first Health Information National Trends Survey. Arch Internal Med. 2005;165:2618–2624
  36. Santana S. Trends of internet use for health matters in Portugal: 2005–2007. Acta Médica Portuguesa. 2009;22:5–14
  37. Nijland N, van Gemert-Pijnen J, Boer H, Steehouder MF, Seydel ER. Evaluation of internet-based technology for supporting self-care: problems encountered by patients and caregivers when using self-care applications. J Med Internet Res. 2008;10:e13
  38. Neville LM, O’Hara B, Milat AJ. Computer-tailored dietary behaviour change interventions: a systematic review. Health Educ Res. 2009;24:699–720
  39. Kroeze W, Werkman A, Brug J. A systematic review of randomized trials on the effectiveness of computer-tailored education on physical activity and dietary behaviors. Annals Behav Med. 2006;31:205–223
  40. Norman SA, Potashnik SL, Galantino ML, De Michele AM, House L, Localio AR. Modifiable risk factors for breast cancer recurrence: what can we tell survivors?. J Women's Health. 2007;16:177–190
  41. Neville LM, Milat AJ, O’Hara B. Computer-tailored weight reduction interventions targeting adults: a narrative systematic review. Health Promot J Aust. 2009;20:48–57
  42. Vandelanotte C, Spathonis KM, Eakin EG, Owen N. Website-delivered physical activity interventions: a review of the literature. Am J Prevent Med. 2007;33:54–64
  43. van den Berg MH, Schoones JW, Vliet Vlieland TP. Internet-based physical activity interventions: a systematic review of the literature. J Med Internet Res. 2007;9:e26
  44. Moore TJ, Alsabeeh N, Apovian CM, Murphy MC, Coffman GA, Cullum-Dugan D, et al. Weight, blood pressure, and dietary benefits after 12 months of a Web-based Nutrition Education Program (DASH for health): longitudinal observational study. J Med Internet Res. 2008;10:e52
  45. Petersen R, Sill S, Lu C, Young J, Edington DW. Effectiveness of employee internet-based weight management program. J Occupat Environ Med. 2008;50:163–171
  46. Kroeze W, Oenema A, Campbell M, Brug J. Comparison of use and appreciation of a print-delivered versus CD-ROM-delivered, computer-tailored intervention targeting saturated fat intake: randomized controlled trial. J Med Internet Res. 2008;10:e12
  47. Marshall AL, Leslie ER, Bauman AE, Marcus BH, Owen N. Print versus website physical activity programs: a randomized trial. Am J Prevent Med. 2003;25:88–94
  48. Cook RF, Billings DW, Hersch RK, Back AS, Hendrickson A. A field test of a web-based workplace health promotion program to improve dietary practices, reduce stress, and increase physical activity: randomized controlled trial. J Med Internet Res. 2007;9:e17
  49. Steele RM, Mummery WK, Dwyer T. A comparison of face-to-face or Internet-delivered physical activity intervention on targeted determinants. Health Educ Behav. 2009;(June):
  50. Tufano JT, Karras BT. Mobile eHealth interventions for obesity: a timely opportunity to leverage convergence trends. J Med Internet Res. 2005;7:e58
  51. Carr LJ, Bartee RT, Dorozynski C, Broomfield JF, Smith ML, Smith DT. Internet-delivered behavior change program increases physical activity and improves cardiometabolic disease risk factors in sedentary adults: results of a randomized controlled trial. Prevent Med. 2008;46:431–438
  52. Hurling R, Catt M, Boni MD, Fairley BW, Hurst T, Murray P, et al. Using Internet and mobile phone technology to deliver an automated physical activity program: randomized controlled trial. J Med Internet Res. 2007;9:e7
  53. Ware LJ, Hurling R, Bataveljic O, Fairley BW, Hurst TL, Murray P, et al. Rates and determinants of uptake and use of an internet physical activity and weight management program in office and manufacturing work sites in England: cohort study. J Med Internet Res. 2008;10:e56
  54. Lewis B, Williams D, Dunsiger S, Sciamanna C, Whiteley J, Napolitano M, et al. User attitudes towards physical activity websites in a randomized controlled trial. Prevent Med. 2008;47:508–513
  55. Ferney SL, Marshall AL, Eakin EG, Owen N. Randomized trial of a neighborhood environment-focused physical activity website intervention. Prevent Med. 2009;48:144–150
  56. Dunton GF, Robertson TP. A tailored Internet-plus-email intervention for increasing physical activity among ethnically-diverse women. Prevent Med. 2008;47:605–611
  57. Lindsay S, Smith S, Bellaby P, Baker R. The health impact of an online heart disease support group: a comparison of moderated versus unmoderated support. Health Educ Res. 2009;24:646–654
  58. Murray E, Lo B, Pollack L, Donelan K, Catania J, White M, et al. The impact of health information on the Internet on the physician–patient relationship: patient perceptions. Arch Internal Med. 2003;163:1727–1734
  59. de Vries H, Kremers SP, Smeets T, Brug J, Eijmael K. The effectiveness of tailored feedback and action plans in an intervention addressing multiple health behaviors. Am J Health Promot. 2008;22:417–425
  60. Griesam N, Meyer C, Haug S, Ruge J, Schumann A, Rumpf HJ, et al. Diversity and accessibility of smoking cessation aids in the Internet. Gesundheitswesen. 2008;70:372–376
  61. Bock BC, Graham AL, Whiteley JA, Stoddard JL. A review of web-assisted tobacco interventions (WATIs). J Med Internet Res. 2008;10:e39
  62. Brendryen H, Kraft P. Happy ending: a randomized controlled trial of a digital multi-media smoking cessation intervention. Addiction. 2008;103:478–484discussion 485–6
  63. Rabius V, Pike KJ, Wiatrek D, McAlister AL. Comparing internet assistance for smoking cessation: 13-month follow-up of a six-arm randomized controlled trial. J Med Internet Res. 2008;10:e45
  64. Houston TK, Ford DE. A tailored Internet-delivered intervention for smoking cessation designed to encourage social support and treatment seeking: usability testing and user tracing. Inform Health Social Care. 2008;33:5–19
  65. Joseph CL, Peterson E, Havstad S, Johnson CC, Hoerauf S, Stringer S, et al. A web-based, tailored asthma management program for urban African-American high school students. Am J Resp Crit Care Med. 2007;175:888–895
  66. van der Meer V, van Stel HF, Detmar SB, Otten W, Sterk PJ, Sont JK. Internet-based self-management offers an opportunity to achieve better asthma control in adolescents. Chest. 2007;132:112–119
  67. Riper H, Kramer J, Conijn B, Smit F, Schippers G, Cuijpers P. Translating effective web-based self-help for problem drinking into the real world. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2009;33:1401–1408
  68. Riper H, Kramer J, Keuken M, Smit F, Schippers G, Cuijpers P. Predicting successful treatment outcome of web-based self-help for problem drinkers: secondary analysis from a randomized controlled trial. J Med Internet Res. 2008;10:e46
  69. Clarke G, Eubanks D, Reid E, Kelleher C, O’Connor E, DeBar LL, et al. Overcoming depression on the Internet (ODIN) (2): a randomized trial of a self-help depression skills program with reminders. J Med Internet Res. 2005;7:e16
  70. Smith DH. Studying health communication: an agenda for the future. Health Commun. 1989;1:17–28
  71. Cassell MM, Jackson C, Cheuvront B. Health communication on the Internet: an effective channel for health behavior change?. J Health Commun. 1998;3:71–79
  72. Rice RE. The Internet and health communication: a framework of experiences. In:  Rice RE,  Katz JE editor. The internet and health communication. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage; 2001;
  73. Street RL, Rimal R. Health promotion and interactive technology: a conceptual foundation. In:  Street RL,  Gold W,  Manning T editor. Health promotion and interactive technology: theoretical applications and future directions. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates; 1997;
  74. Bunton R, Murphy S, Bennett P. Theories of behavioural change and their use in health promotion: some neglected areas. Health Educ Res. 1991;6:153–162
  75. Stokols D. The social ecological paradigm of wellness promotion. In:  Jamner MS,  Stokals D editor. Promoting human wellness: new frontiers for research, practice and policy. Berkeley, Los Angeles, and London: University of California Press; 2000;
  76. Kreps GL. One size does not fit all: adapting communication to the to the needs and literacy levels of individuals. Annals Family Med 2006. (Online commentary) http://www.annfammed.org/cgi/eletters/4/3/205.
  77. Baum A. Behavioral and psychosocial interventions to modify pathophysiology and disease course. Inst Med. 2000;450–488
  78. Rudd R, Moeykens B, Colton T. Health and literacy: a review of medical and public health literature. In:  Comings J,  Garner B,  Smith C editor. The annual review of adult learning and literacy. San Francisco: University of California Press; 2000;
  79. Swartzberg JG, VanGeest JB, Wang CC. Understanding health literacy: implications for medicine and public health. Chicago: American Medical Association Press; 2000;
  80. World Health Organization . Health promotion glossary. Geneva: WHO; 1998;
  81. Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development and Statistics Canada . Literacy in the information age: final report of the International Adult Literacy Survey. Paris and Ottowa: OECD, Statistics Canada; 2000;
  82. Canadian Council on Learning . Health literacy in Canada: initial results from the International Adult Literacy and Skills Survey 2007. Ottawa: Canadian Council on Learning; 2007;
  83. Kutner M, Greenberg E, Baer J. National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL): a first look at the literacy of America's adults in the 21st Century. Washington: US Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics; 2005;
  84. Schulz P, Nakamoto K. Emerging themes in health literacy. In enhancing health literacy through communication. Special Issue Stud Commun Sci. 2006;5:1–10
  85. Airhihenbuwa CO, Obregon R. A critical assessment of theories/models used in health communication for HIV/AIDS. J Health Commun Abbreviation. 2000;5(Suppl):5–15
  86. Kreps GL, Kunimoto EN. Effective communication in multicultural health care settings. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage; 1994;
  87. Delamater AM, Bubb J, Davis SG, Smith JA, Schmidt L, White NH, et al. Randomized prospective study of self-management training with newly diagnosed diabetic children. Diabetes Care. 1990;13:492–498
  88. Backer TE, Rogers EM, Sopory P. Designing health communication campaigns: what works?. Newbury Park, CA: Sage; 1992;
  89. Hornik RC. Public health communication: evidence for behavior change. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates; 2002;
  90. Napoli QM. Consumer use of medical information from electronic and paper media. In:  Rice RE,  Katz JE editor. The Internet and health communication. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage; 2001;
  91. Wilcox LS. Will avatars offer answers? Prevent Chronic Dis 2007, 4 (3):A38. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2007/jul/07_0060.htm.

PII: S0738-3991(10)00022-4

doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2010.01.013

Patient Education and Counseling
Volume 78, Issue 3 , Pages 329-336 , March 2010

Article Tools