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The Impact of the Digital Divide on Health Communication: Strategies for PR Practitioners (Outline)

Oct 8, 2024

I. Introduction: 

Although technological advances have led to digital dependency, some populations are digitally excluded, resulting in the digital divide, which has significantly affected health communication efforts, thus creating disparities in healthcare information and challenging public relations strategies for reaching a broader and diverse audience. Comment by Wenjia Zhang: Be more specific. Place this in context for a particular PR audience. Who are you writing it for, and why will they find it relevant? Which topics will you cover, and why?

II. Body:

Based on various research, the digital divide limits specific groups’ access to healthcare-related information and services, leading to health inequalities, disadvantaging vulnerable groups, and making it difficult for PR to reach particular groups. Comment by Wenjia Zhang: Research shows... Comment by Wenjia Zhang: which groups Comment by Wenjia Zhang: Be more specific Comment by Wenjia Zhang: PR practitioners (this information, about the audience for the review, would be more appropriate to include in the Introduction section)

A. It has been proven that the digital divide makes it hard or limits the ability of specific populations, such as older people, to access significant and reliable health information. Comment by Wenjia Zhang: Be more specific in all of your claims, and what the studies show, throughout your paper

a. Research by Saeed and Masters (2021) underscores that although the new, improved technology has decreased the digital divide in healthcare, the problem persists with millions of people being unable to access sufficient internet and health information. Comment by Wenjia Zhang: For all claims/evidence: The context for the paper should be: Practical information X group of practitioners [it isn't clear who your PR audience is] can use in their everyday work. Need to be clearer about the specific focus, the PR audience, and the practical (actionable) information you are providing to the audience. The studies you cite might have that information, but it is not provided here.

b. According to Hadjiat (2023), although digital health is intended to be inclusive, the division it caused has resulted in health inequity as it marginalizes the population affected by poor adoption of health-related technology and poor digital literacy.

c. A study by Campanozzi et al. (2023) highlights that specific group categories, such as the elderly, lack or have low digital literacy, inhibiting their ability to use the internet to engage with health information and resources.

B. The digital divide has created a communication barrier for public health information and campaigns, making it challenging to tailor health content to the broader population.

a. A study by Gelfgren et al. (2022) highlights how challenging it is for health organizations to advocate for or communicate different groups' health issues solely using the Internet or social media, considering factors such as disabilities, economic status, and age. Comment by Wenjia Zhang: Not clear what this study shows Comment by Wenjia Zhang: Most of what you list as supporting evidence is further defining the problem, but not showing what the studies have found

b. According to the study by Nguyen et al. (2021), during the COVID-19 pandemic, PR strategies were mainly digital media, which risked alienating those vulnerable to digital exclusion.

c. Cheshmehzangi et al. (2022) found that digital health has widened the digital divide and affected health communication since the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, it is crucial to incorporate other means of communication and health access to promote inclusivity.

C. To address digital divide issues, PR practitioners can incorporate strategies such as addressing technology barriers and digital literacy education to ensure more inclusive health communication.

a. A report by Lyles et al. (2022) suggests addressing technology-related barriers, considering digital health readiness, and advocating for digital literacy in the population affected to enable diverse communities to engage with health.

b. Based on a report by the International Social Security Association (ISSA, 2023), Since COVID accelerated public service delivery, multi-channel communication strategies were implemented to ensure institutions can use digital and traditional channels such as telephone and face-to-face meetings. Comment by Wenjia Zhang: Not a peer-reviewed source. Replace.

c. A study by Lopez de Coca et al. (2022) suggests that professionals such as PR practitioners can bridge the existing gap by using familiar languages and reliable sources for health information, including advocating for eHealth literacy levels among the elderly population.

III. Conclusion:

The literature demonstrates how addressing the impacts of digital division on the health sector, especially in communication, is crucial to ensuring equity in healthcare access. PR practitioners can achieve this by adopting inclusive and diverse strategies to bridge the gap effectively.

References

Campanozzi, L. L., Gibelli, F., Bailo, P., Nittari, G., Sirignano, A., & Ricci, G. (2023, February 2). The role of digital literacy in Achieving Health Equity in the Third Millennium Society: A Literature Review. Frontiers. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1109323/full Comment by Wenjia Zhang: Does not appear to be a peer-reviewed source. Replace.

Cheshmehzangi, A., Zou, T., Zhang, Y., Chen, H., Su, Z., Dawodu, A., & Xie, L. (2022). Commentary: Reflecting on the neglected digital divide barriers of telemedicine during COVID-19. Frontiers in Public Health, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.915401

Gelfgren, S., Ineland, J., & Cocq, C. (2021). Social Media and disability advocacy organizations: Caught between hopes and realities. Disability & Society, 37(7), 1085–1106. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2020.1867069

Hadjiat, Y. (2023). Healthcare inequity and Digital Health–A bridge for the divide, or further erosion of the chasm? PLOS Digital Health, 2(6). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pdig.0000268

Multi-channel communication strategies in the Americas | International Social Security Association (ISSA). (n.d.). https://www.issa.int/analysis/multi-channel-communication-strategies-americas Comment by Wenjia Zhang: Does not appear to be a peer-reviewed source. Replace.

Lopez de Coca, T., Moreno, L., Alacreu, M., & Sebastian-Morello, M. (2022). Bridging the generational digital divide in the healthcare environment. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 12(8), 1214. https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm12081214

Lyles, C. R., Aguilera, A., Nguyen, O., & Sarkar, U. (2022). Bridging the Digital Health Divide: How Providers and Plans Can Help Communities Better Adopt Digital Health Tools.  California Health Care Foundation. https://www.chcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/BridgingDigitalDivideProvidersPlans.pdf Comment by Wenjia Zhang: Use sentence case for titles. Not a peer-reviewed source, replace

Nguyen, M. H., Hargittai, E., & Marler, W. (2021). Digital inequality in communication during a time of physical distancing: The case of covid-19. Computers in Human Behavior, 120, 106717. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2021.106717

Saeed, S. A., & Masters, R. M. (2021). Disparities in health care and the digital divide. Current Psychiatry Reports, 23(9). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-021-01274-4

This research brief will enable you to pursue a specific topic related to digital media in which you have personal interest.  It may be an aspect we have studied in class, or one we have not studied.  Your assignment is to write a research brief on the topic. The key skill you should develop from this assignment is being able to apply empirical research findings to a situation or problem you might encounter in a real-world work setting.  This assignment is worth 60 points.

A research brief summarizes the state of the current research on a given topic, and it also provides some recommendations about actions that might be beneficial for your target audience.  You can choose your target audience of PR/communication professionals for this paper -- it could be your current employer (in which case you would summarize the topic and make specific recommendations to improve practices), or, if your topic does not apply to your current profession, you can consider a public relations/communications-related job that you aspire to. 

Ensure your paper makes a clear argument, and that you forecast that argument in the introduction and restate it in the conclusion.  Remember to cite all claims using APA format (7th ed.).  Attach a cover sheet and abstract.  The abstract should summarize the main argument. See the information below for guidelines on how to write the final paper, and also review the final paper rubric to learn how you will be graded on your assignment.

The writing style for this assignment should be less technical and academic and more general.  Because a key skill you should develop from this assignment is being able to apply empirical research findings to a situation or problem you might encounter in a real-world work (professional) setting, you will want to think about how to communicate best to your target audience of PR/communication professionals.  You must demonstrate how you have translated these findings into language that is understandable for your target audience, which may include professionals who are not well-versed in research.  

Your assignment should include:

· APA style title page

· Abstract

· Main text

· Reference list

Overview of paper sections:

Abstract: If you are unsure about how to write an abstract, the APA manual has an explanation.

Introduction: Your paper should begin with a short introduction that explains why the topic you have chosen is important and interesting, and that forecasts the main argument of the paper.  Your introduction should also provide a clear roadmap of what you will present in your paper.

1) Try to summarize/preview the main question of your paper in the first paragraph.

2) Dedicate a couple of paragraphs to why your topic is important.  It is okay to be explicit by using a paragraph that starts: “This topic is important because…” Think about who will benefit from reading your paper and what knowledge will be gained. Communicate who can use the information in your review, and how they can use it.

3) It is okay to use evidence from popular literature to make the claim that your study is important.  Consider using statistics.  Support all claims with empirical evidence.

4) Make sure you define any key terms.  Give one best definition.  If the definition is controversial, then explain why you have chosen the definition you have chosen.  Usually definitions have citations.

5) Give readers important background about your topic.  Only give enough so that they will understand the study.  They do not need the whole history of your topic.

6) Provide a road map of what your reader can expect in your paper.

Literature Review: The main body of your paper should be organized conceptually using APA heading styles.  Include at least three sections with three or four studies in each section.  Each section should have a key point, argument, or finding that is supported by the studies you choose. Refer back to your final paper outline to keep your ideas organized.   Make sure each section has a brief introduction and conclusion that summarizes the main findings in that section.

For each study that you include, say a few words about how the study was conducted and then give the results of the study. Be sure to link the main finding to the key point of that section. Make sure you use transitions between studies to show how they relate to each other.

1) Start your literature review with a paragraph that previews what we know on the basis of the literature.

2) Divide your literature review into sections.  Include three or four sections, each with three or four studies.  The sections should be conceptual.  Use APA headings to divide the sections.  Begin each section with a summary argument that states one idea that all of the studies in that section support.

3) Make sure you describe the key details for each study. Explain what the researchers did and what they found.  Do not include information about their literature review or what they think the implications are.  Make sure you mention critical ideas that help the reader evaluate the study (How many subjects? Was the sample random?).

4) Don’t just say there is a relationship between two variables.  Always say the direction of the relationship.  For example, don’t say “humor and attention are related.”  Say “humor and attention are positively related.”

5) Use transitions between studies that explain how one study relates to the next.  Usually transitions explain how the conclusions in the studies are related.

6) At the end of each section, include a summary statement that articulates what one idea all of the studies in that section argue.

7) If a study touches on ideas that are not relevant to your paper don’t mention those results or that aspect of the study.

8) If a study is relevant to two or more sections mention the study in both sections.

Analysis/Recommendations: The final section of your paper should be a summary and analysis of the state of the literature.  What do you know about your topic based on the literature taken as a whole?  This summary is the main argument of your paper.  It is a statement about what you know based on the literature. Review the main points in a few paragraphs. You may also want to consider pointing out any shortcomings of the studies.  Following this review, you should include a few paragraphs about the implications of the research and findings for communication practitioners working in this topic area. Based on what you know, what would you recommend as action steps that communication practitioners can use to improve the situation?  What would you say to someone who is working in this area? (Note: This section is worth the most points in the final paper.)

· At the end of literature review, present a concise summary that articulates the main argument from each section. Critique shortcomings of the studies, if any.

· Provide an analysis of the research you have just presented: What are the key themes that emerge? What would you tell someone about this topic?  What are the implications of the research for communication professionals who work in this topic area? 

· What would you recommend to communication professionals? You may want to consider how larger trends in digital communication interact with these findings (think the larger topics we covered in the first half of class: digital divide, usability, credibility, demographics related to use). Make sure you provide clear, specific recommendations.

Conclusion: Include a conclusion paragraph where you restate the main points of your paper. This should be a 1-2 paragraph summary of your entire paper.

1

The Impact of the Digital Divide on Health Communication: Strategies for PR Practitioners (Outline)

Oct 8, 2024

I. Introduction: 

Although technological advances have led to digital dependency, some populations are digitally excluded, resulting in the digital divide, which has significantly affected health communication efforts, thus creating disparities in healthcare information and challenging public relations strategies for reaching a broader and diverse audience. Comment by Wenjia Zhang: Be more specific. Place this in context for a particular PR audience. Who are you writing it for, and why will they find it relevant? Which topics will you cover, and why?

II. Body:

Based on various research, the digital divide limits specific groups’ access to healthcare-related information and services, leading to health inequalities, disadvantaging vulnerable groups, and making it difficult for PR to reach particular groups. Comment by Wenjia Zhang: Research shows... Comment by Wenjia Zhang: which groups Comment by Wenjia Zhang: Be more specific Comment by Wenjia Zhang: PR practitioners (this information, about the audience for the review, would be more appropriate to include in the Introduction section)

A. It has been proven that the digital divide makes it hard or limits the ability of specific populations, such as older people, to access significant and reliable health information. Comment by Wenjia Zhang: Be more specific in all of your claims, and what the studies show, throughout your paper

a. Research by Saeed and Masters (2021) underscores that although the new, improved technology has decreased the digital divide in healthcare, the problem persists with millions of people being unable to access sufficient internet and health information. Comment by Wenjia Zhang: For all claims/evidence: The context for the paper should be: Practical information X group of practitioners [it isn't clear who your PR audience is] can use in their everyday work. Need to be clearer about the specific focus, the PR audience, and the practical (actionable) information you are providing to the audience. The studies you cite might have that information, but it is not provided here.

b. According to Hadjiat (2023), although digital health is intended to be inclusive, the division it caused has resulted in health inequity as it marginalizes the population affected by poor adoption of health-related technology and poor digital literacy.

c. A study by Campanozzi et al. (2023) highlights that specific group categories, such as the elderly, lack or have low digital literacy, inhibiting their ability to use the internet to engage with health information and resources.

B. The digital divide has created a communication barrier for public health information and campaigns, making it challenging to tailor health content to the broader population.

a. A study by Gelfgren et al. (2022) highlights how challenging it is for health organizations to advocate for or communicate different groups' health issues solely using the Internet or social media, considering factors such as disabilities, economic status, and age. Comment by Wenjia Zhang: Not clear what this study shows Comment by Wenjia Zhang: Most of what you list as supporting evidence is further defining the problem, but not showing what the studies have found

b. According to the study by Nguyen et al. (2021), during the COVID-19 pandemic, PR strategies were mainly digital media, which risked alienating those vulnerable to digital exclusion.

c. Cheshmehzangi et al. (2022) found that digital health has widened the digital divide and affected health communication since the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, it is crucial to incorporate other means of communication and health access to promote inclusivity.

C. To address digital divide issues, PR practitioners can incorporate strategies such as addressing technology barriers and digital literacy education to ensure more inclusive health communication.

a. A report by Lyles et al. (2022) suggests addressing technology-related barriers, considering digital health readiness, and advocating for digital literacy in the population affected to enable diverse communities to engage with health.

b. Based on a report by the International Social Security Association (ISSA, 2023), Since COVID accelerated public service delivery, multi-channel communication strategies were implemented to ensure institutions can use digital and traditional channels such as telephone and face-to-face meetings. Comment by Wenjia Zhang: Not a peer-reviewed source. Replace.

c. A study by Lopez de Coca et al. (2022) suggests that professionals such as PR practitioners can bridge the existing gap by using familiar languages and reliable sources for health information, including advocating for eHealth literacy levels among the elderly population.

III. Conclusion:

The literature demonstrates how addressing the impacts of digital division on the health sector, especially in communication, is crucial to ensuring equity in healthcare access. PR practitioners can achieve this by adopting inclusive and diverse strategies to bridge the gap effectively.

References

Campanozzi, L. L., Gibelli, F., Bailo, P., Nittari, G., Sirignano, A., & Ricci, G. (2023, February 2). The role of digital literacy in Achieving Health Equity in the Third Millennium Society: A Literature Review. Frontiers. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1109323/full Comment by Wenjia Zhang: Does not appear to be a peer-reviewed source. Replace.

Cheshmehzangi, A., Zou, T., Zhang, Y., Chen, H., Su, Z., Dawodu, A., & Xie, L. (2022). Commentary: Reflecting on the neglected digital divide barriers of telemedicine during COVID-19. Frontiers in Public Health, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.915401

Gelfgren, S., Ineland, J., & Cocq, C. (2021). Social Media and disability advocacy organizations: Caught between hopes and realities. Disability & Society, 37(7), 1085–1106. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2020.1867069

Hadjiat, Y. (2023). Healthcare inequity and Digital Health–A bridge for the divide, or further erosion of the chasm? PLOS Digital Health, 2(6). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pdig.0000268

Multi-channel communication strategies in the Americas | International Social Security Association (ISSA). (n.d.). https://www.issa.int/analysis/multi-channel-communication-strategies-americas Comment by Wenjia Zhang: Does not appear to be a peer-reviewed source. Replace.

Lopez de Coca, T., Moreno, L., Alacreu, M., & Sebastian-Morello, M. (2022). Bridging the generational digital divide in the healthcare environment. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 12(8), 1214. https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm12081214

Lyles, C. R., Aguilera, A., Nguyen, O., & Sarkar, U. (2022). Bridging the Digital Health Divide: How Providers and Plans Can Help Communities Better Adopt Digital Health Tools.  California Health Care Foundation. https://www.chcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/BridgingDigitalDivideProvidersPlans.pdf Comment by Wenjia Zhang: Use sentence case for titles. Not a peer-reviewed source, replace

Nguyen, M. H., Hargittai, E., & Marler, W. (2021). Digital inequality in communication during a time of physical distancing: The case of covid-19. Computers in Human Behavior, 120, 106717. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2021.106717

Saeed, S. A., & Masters, R. M. (2021). Disparities in health care and the digital divide. Current Psychiatry Reports, 23(9). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-021-01274-4