Looking out to see in. Designing a student inquiry project for undergrads
Health Communication is an upper division, undergraduate course that explores the theory and research behind health care delivery as a communication system and the knowledge and skills necessary to communicate within the system. As such, this course considers the marketing and promotion of health information and the development and implementation of health policies, along with the communication among providers, caregivers, and patients.
The first unit of the course is “Understanding Health Communication” and includes four units: Socio-historical Considerations, Public & Political Considerations, Social Considerations, and Cultural Considerations. The primary learning goals for this unit are as follows: 1) to expand student’s knowledge of the historical events that shaped today’s health care landscape, 2) to examine how society’s values (i.e., matters of importance) drive its health care attitudes and policies, 3) to assess how race, gender, and culture influence health care and health outcomes. Throughout the unit, students act as policy analysts, gathering information to persuade others to reshape the structure and delivery of the American health care system.
An inquiry based project will let students “look out to see in.” Students will explore how values, beliefs, and perceptions about race, gender, and ethnicity shape the structure and delivery of health care in different countries. Students will begin by asking “How might we incorporate elements of other countries’ health care approaches into our own health care system?” Through their unique journeys of research and investigation into health care systems around the globe, students will gather elements of personal well-being, community health, and public policies that they deem important. Students will then form groups of three to four persons and share their elements in a collaborative space. Together, the group will establish parameters for determining which elements are most important, and, therefore, should be incorporated within the American health care system. Students will make recommendations to their designated community stakeholders through a visually appealing format, such as an infographic or video advertisement.
Students will be formally assessed at both an individual and group level. At an individual level, students will need to demonstrate depth and breadth in their research by using both instructor provided and library resources. Students will be encouraged to use a citation tool to track and organize their resources. At the group level, students will need to contribute at least four critical health care elements from their research to the group collaborative space and constructively comment on the ideas of at least two other group members. Finally, as a group, students will be assessed on the design and delivery of their visual artifact. I am most excited to see what ideas, policies, and procedures students gather from other health care systems. The elements chosen by the students often signal their own values, beliefs, and perceptions about the health and well-being of various social groups within society.
Resources for educators
Textbook
Du Pre, A. (2016). Communicating about health: Current issues and perspectives. (5th ed.). New York: Oxford University Press.
Documentary – used to show a typical day in a Chicago Emergency Room
Nicks, P. (Director). (2013)). The waiting room.[Documentary].
Cinedigm Entertainment Corp. (full documentary needs to be purchased)
Policy Briefs, Research Reports, Whitepapers
American Public Health Association
APHA is a professional association that champions the health of all people and strengthens the public health profession. APHA advocates for public health issues and science backed policies at the local, state, and federal level.
Commonwealth Fund
The Commonwealth Fund is a private foundation whose mission is to promote a health care system that achieves better access, improved quality, and greater efficiency, particularly for society’s most vulnerable. The Fund supports independent research on health care issues and supports an international program in health policy to stimulate innovative policies and practices.
Health Affairs Journal
Health Affairs is the leading journal of health policy, thought and research. The peer-reviewed journal was founded in 1981 under the aegis of Project HOPE, a nonprofit international health education organization. Health Affairs explores health policy issues of current concern in domestic and international spheres.
Reference tools for learners
CNBC series comparing U.S. health system to those in other countries.
Canada France
Germany United Kingdom
Gale in Context: College (available through the university library)
Gale In Context: College offers interdisciplinary content that reinforces the development of skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication, collaboration, creativity, and innovation. Learners can access news content including full-text newspapers and periodicals like The Economist, The New York Times, National Geographic, Newsweek, Popular Science, Smithsonian, and more.
World Health Organization
The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. The WHO Constitution, which establishes the agency’s governing structure and principles, states its main objective is “the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health.
Health Systems Policy Monitor
HSPM is an innovative platform that provides a detailed description of health systems and provides up to date information on reforms and changes that are particularly policy relevant.
Technology tools for learners
MURAL
MURAL is a digital workspace for visual collaboration, including mindmapping and whiteboarding. Students can access large, shared canvases designed to help them and their peers map content, share inspiration and define solutions.
NoodleTools
NoodleTools is an online research management platform that promotes critical thinking and authentic research. Students can easily organize, build accurate citations, archive source material, take notes, outline topics, and prepare to write.
Canva
Canva is a graphic design platform that allows users to create social media graphics, presentations, posters, infographics, videos, and other visual content. Users can choose from many professional designed templates and edit the designs and upload their own photos through a drag and drop interface.