C40. Rice,
R. E. (2004). The Internet and health communication: An overview of
issues
and research. In P. Lee, L. Leung & C. So (Eds.), Impact and
issues
in new media: Toward intelligent societies (pp. 173-204).
Cresskill,
NJ: Hampton Press.
Health issues are becoming increasingly important
for the public agenda. The same is true of new communication
technologies, especially
the Internet. The intersection of these two highly significant
social
trends creates a rich, consequential, and challenging domain for users,
health
providers, researchers and policy-makers. New communication media
and
information systems will likely transform the way health care is
provided
in at least as profound a way as did the movement of the site of health
care
delivery away from the barbershop. People will be empowered to
gain
expert insight into their problems and assess the options available to
treat
them. Diagnosis and cure will be dispensed interactively and
electronically.
At the same time, there are many opportunities for incorrect,
misleading,
fraudulent and dangerous practices. Serious questions also arise
about
the ability of those with economic, intellectual, or physical
limitations
to participate effectively in this new environment. This chapter
reviews
the primary issues and research surrounding the use of the Internet for
health
communication. The following sections review three major
categories
of applied and research issues: (1) Coverage and use of Internet health
communication,
(2) major communication issues, and (3) major industry and policy
issues.
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