Effective Health Communication

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture on Effective Health Communication.

Communication

The process of encoding, transmitting, and decoding messages between two or more people.

Sender

The individual who encodes and transmits a message.

Receiver

The individual who decodes and interprets a message.

Encoding

Turning a concept or idea into a message for transmission.

Decoding

Interpreting and assigning meaning to a received message.

Verbal Communication

Communication that uses words—spoken or written—such as conversation, email, or text.

Nonverbal Communication

Exchanging information without words through facial expressions, gestures, posture, or tone.

Vocal Communication

Use of voice qualities such as tone, pitch, and volume to convey meaning.

Nonvocal Communication

Communication without sound, including writing and sign language.

Media Communication

Use of technology or tools like brochures, commercials, or websites to share information.

Vocal Qualifiers

Speech elements such as volume, pitch, tempo, and cadence that modify meaning.

Vocal Characterizers

Non-linguistic sounds (e.g., laughing, crying) that express emotion.

Body Language

Nonverbal, non-vocal signals including posture, gestures, eye contact, and facial expression.

Effective Health Communicator

A provider who combines knowledge, rapport, and flexibility to deliver preventive messages.

Motivational Interviewing

Patient-centered counseling style that enhances motivation for behavior change.

Plain Language

Clear, straightforward wording that patients of all literacy levels can understand.

Healthy People 2030

U.S. initiative setting decade-long, science-based goals to improve national health, including communication objectives.

Health Literacy

Ability to locate, understand, and use health information to make informed decisions.

Organizational Health Literacy

How well a healthcare organization makes information accessible and easy to comprehend.

Teach-Back Method

Technique where patients repeat instructions in their own words to confirm understanding.

Cultural Competence

Provider’s ability to respond effectively to patients from diverse cultures and value systems.

Culture

Shared customs, beliefs, and values that shape health perceptions and decisions.

Cultural Awareness

Self-reflection to recognize personal biases and adapt care to patients’ cultural needs.

Barriers to Communication

Factors such as cultural, physical, or attitudinal issues that hinder effective exchange of information.

Attitudinal Barrier

Lack of sensitivity or inappropriate confidence levels that disrupt communication.

Interpersonal Barrier

Poor rapport or discomfort between individuals that blocks understanding.

Physical Barrier

Environmental distractions like noise or poor seating arrangement that impede dialogue.

Physiologic Barrier

Sensory impairments (hearing, vision, speech) that limit communication.

Psychosociologic Barrier

Emotional states such as fear or pain that distract from messages.

Information Overload

Providing too much information at once without reinforcement, overwhelming the patient.

Insufficient Knowledge Barrier

Gap when clinician lacks information or patient cannot understand it due to low literacy.

Lack of Interest Barrier

Low motivation from patient or clinician that reduces engagement in education.

Evidence-Based Information

Recommendations supported by accurate, balanced, and reliable scientific data.

Limited Health Literacy Populations

Groups like older adults, immigrants, and those with low education who are more vulnerable to low literacy.

Visual Aids

Diagrams, photos, or demonstrations used to enhance patient understanding.

Elderspeak

Patronizing speech toward older adults that should be avoided.

Relationship-Building Skills

Abilities that establish trust and rapport during patient interactions.

Shared Decision Making

Process where patient and provider collaborate to choose care options.

Mainstream Media

Mass outlets such as TV, newspapers, and social media that influence health choices.