Writing and Communication in Health Science: Chronic Disease and the Internet
This article dated 24th March, 2010 offers perspectives concerning chronic disease and the internet. The authors Susanna Fox (2010) and Kristen Purcell (2010) are both research specialists attached to the Pew Internet and American Life Project. It would appear that the researchers’ aim was to show a relationship between chronic disease and internet as it pertains towards accessing information that would enhance their quality of life when living with these conditions.
Topics covered included Americans with chronic disease profile, chronic disease footprints, internet access by condition; demographics of chronic disease, family status related to chronic disease; the effects of technology adoption, an outline of internet activities, a scrutiny of related health topics and a lively discussion of the impacts.
Analysis
An analysis of this research finding reveals that the researchers adapted scientific research methods to conduct their study. Samples of viewers with chronic diseases were selected from a population of persons suffering with conditions classified or diagnosed chronic. Instruments utilized included internet sites which offered information specific information regarding diseases considered chronic.
The method of data collection was specifically retrieved through application of surveys enhanced by questionnaire responses from respondents regarding their internet viewing habits related to their health condition. Display of data was simple yet artistic and professional. It could be easily understood for interpretation. Conclusions derived from this survey were measured according to a qualitative descriptive analysis influenced by percentile representations and graphical evaluations.
In essence the researchers were clear in assuming that ‘adults with chronic diseases are disproportionately offline in an online world; the internet gaps creates an online health information gap; health professionals dominate the health information mix; the social life of chronic disease information is robust; the impact of online health information may be muted among people with chronic diseases and that the internet is like a secret weapon if some one has to access it.
Conclusion
This research provides information for evidence based interventions in Writing and Communication in Health Science Education. Health Science Education Specialists can review both the quality and quantity of information placed on the internet with the aim of making it applicable to persons with all types of chronic diseases (Wu & Green, 2000)
It is true that everyone does not have access to computers. However, we are living in a technologically, literate society where almost everyone views television as part of their daily entertainment. Likewise everyone employed outside of their home access the internet for some activity. Therefore, health information regarding chronic disease when uploaded on an internet site should be internet sensitive enough to encourage even persons who cannot navigate sites to be able to access such information easily.
You many is wondering how coffee and muffin is related to chronic disease and the internet. Do not begin to become anxious! There is no need for an alarm. You are cordially invited to a meeting of professionals to discuss aspects of how as a team we can improve writing and communication in health sciences education by sharing ideas about the recently conducted researching findings from Susanna Fox (2010) and Kristen Purcell (2010) about chronic disease and the internet.
This would be done over coffee and muffins served at the venue located in the main auditorium. Please review a summary of this study and see you there at 1: PM sharp on Monday, February 20th 2012!
References
Fox Susan, Purcell Kristen (2010). Chronic Disease and the Internet. California Health Care
Foundation/ Pew Internet. Princeton Survey Research Associates.
Wu SY, Green. A (2000) Projection of chronic illness prevalence and cost inflation. Santa
Monica, CA: RAND Health
