Health Communication and Marketing
RTI experts in health communication and social marketing research examine the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of target populations and design campaigns to promote effective communication, informed decision making, and healthy behaviors. We work with federal and state government agencies, as well as foundations, nonprofits, and commercial organizations.
Our health communication expertise spans the full spectrum of health communication and social marketing activities—from audience segmentation and formative research to creative message and materials development, intervention design and implementation, and comprehensive evaluation. These rigorous research activities and evidence-based campaigns target individuals, families, communities, health professionals, and policy makers.
Health Literacy Skills Instrument
We developed the Health Literacy Skills Instrument (HLSI) to assess four domains of health literacy skills: print literacy (reading and writing), numeracy skills, oral literacy skills (listening), and information seeking (navigation of Internet and facilities). It is available for use upon completion of a user agreement.
Expertise
RTI uses qualitative and quantitative methods to develop, test, implement, and evaluate health communication interventions targeting various audiences. With backgrounds in public health, social sciences, and communication, our health communication researchers work on a range of topics—from health promotion to health care treatment—for federal agencies, states, foundations, and private sector organizations.
RTI's researchers are skilled in using qualitative and quantitative research methods, including:
- Formative message development and testing
- Message and materials development
- Focus groups, in depth interviews, and case studies
- Intervention design and implementation
- Cognitive and usability testing
- Process and outcome evaluations
- Experimentally designed studies
- Large-scale data collection and statistical analysis
We also use interactive forums, emerging technologies, and web-related resources to promote and evaluate health communication initiatives. Our research helps clients:
- Identify appropriate target audiences and segmentation strategies
- Perform theory-based intervention development
- Determine optimal delivery channels
- Conduct message framing, tailoring, bundling, and branding
- Evaluate how well a health message or campaign reached the target audience
- Assess a message or campaign's effects on audiences' knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and health outcomes
Experience
- Health literacy and informed decision making
- Cancer and other chronic diseases
- HIV/AIDS and STDs
- Public health preparedness and environmental health
- Global health
- Substance abuse and addiction
- Media campaigns
- Health care quality and patient safety
Feature
New Textbook Traces Background, Evolution of Social MarketingA new textbook, Social Marketing and Social Change: Strategies and Tools for Improving Health, Well-Being, and the Envir... Read more
Experts
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Lauren McCormack Senior Director, Health Communication Program |
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Jennifer Uhrig Deputy Director, Health Communication Program |
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Brian G. Southwell Senior Research Scientist |
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Megan A. Lewis Senior Research Scientist |