Major Projects
Current and Recent Major Projects
Each of these projects demonstrates the University of Utah’s commitment to using evidence-based communication strategies to tackle pressing health issues. They often involve community trials, surveys, and experiments that contribute both practical outcomes (like improved public health measures) and theoretical advances in health communication science.
Cancer Screening Communication
One flagship project led by Dr. Jakob Jensen involves increasing colorectal cancer screening rates through tailored messaging. Funded by the National Cancer Institute, this multi-year project develops targeted educational campaigns (print, online, and text-message reminders) to encourage people to undergo colonoscopies or at-home screening. The team evaluates how different message strategies – such as narratives from survivors vs. statistical evidence – affect individuals’ willingness to get screened and the actual uptake of screening tests. Early outcomes have been promising, with some communication interventions significantly improving screening adherence in pilot studies.
Genetic Testing and Health Literacy
Dr. Kimberly Kaphingst has spearheaded projects on communicating the results of genetic tests (for example, BRCA gene testing for breast cancer risk) to patients with varying levels of health literacy. One recent project comparing the use of chatbots to support informed decisions about cancer genetic testing to standard of care genetic counseling. The objective of this work is to ensure that patients comprehend complex genetic information and its implications for their health.
Patient–Provider Communication in Chronic Illness
An interdisciplinary project between the College of Nursing and the Communication Department is exploring how clinicians communicate with patients about managing chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Researchers have been observing clinical consultations and surveying patients to identify communication behaviors that lead to better patient engagement and self-care. The project’s goal is to develop training for providers to improve skills such as empathetic listening, shared decision-making, and explaining medical instructions in plain language. This project aligns with the University’s focus on social determinants and patient experience, recognizing that effective communication can significantly impact health outcomes.
Digital Health Communication via Social Media
Another contemporary project involves analyzing health communication on social media platforms. Spearheaded by junior faculty and graduate researchers, this study tracks how health misinformation (for example, about vaccines or treatments) spreads online and tests intervention messages to counteract false information. By working with computer scientists, the team has created social media bots that insert corrective information in networks of users. The project not only characterizes patterns of health misinformation but also evaluates strategies to improve digital health literacy among social media users. Preliminary results have been shared with public health officials to aid in combating online misinformation.