We know that people turn to user-generated content on social media to research their health concerns, but how influential is this health information?
And, more importantly, how does this type of influence impact the health content we create?
Delivering bad news in writing: an evidence-based approach
While there are many evidence-based writing techniques we can use to engage readers to try and get their full, undivided attention, controlling how our readers react to bad news is just as important as engagement. So, if you’re working on a project that requires you to deliver bad news, what’s the most appropriate communication strategy?
Health Communication Research Review Volume 1, Number 9
The Health Communication Research Review highlights new and exciting research in health and medical communication. This series aims to give you ideas and inspiration for creating effective, useful health content that makes a difference.
Tips on writing a successful medical ethics column
Daniel Sokol, lawyer and medical ethicist, has just been shortlisted for the ‘Best Columnist of the Year (Consumer Media)’ award at the PPA Awards 2018 (“the Oscars of the UK publishing industry”). In 2015, Daniel won ‘Best Column’ at the UK Medical Journalists’ Association Awards. In this article, he gives aspiring medical columnist some tips for success.
Transitioning to freelance life? Ask yourself these questions first
If you’re contemplating a move from working as an employed health writer to working for yourself, it’s important to realise the magnitude of this decision. Working as a freelance health writer has the potential to change your hours, job purpose and even personal life.
Addressing vaccine hesitancy in writing
Had The Lancet not published their now retracted article, “Ileal-lymphoid-nodular hyperplasia, non-specific colitis, and pervasive developmental disorder in children” by Andrew Wakefield et al. in 1998, perhaps we wouldn’t be facing one of the most significant public health challenges of our time.
Fear-mongering and scare tactics in writing: do they work?
Fear-mongering and scare tactics are used in public health campaigns to drive behavioural changes. We see fear in headlines for online articles, food label warnings, pamphlets and brochures. But how effective are these fear-based messages?
Clear health writing checklist: free downloadable list
Producing clear, accurate and engaging health content for a lay or consumer audience can seem extremely daunting. My clear health writing checklist helps you break down the art and science of clear health writing.
20 ways to assess your writing and identify quick fixes
There’s no denying that assessing your writing is a daunting, confusing task. Luckily, there are quite a few ways to evaluate your skills so you can develop your writing abilities with confidence.
Health writing trends in 2018: what does the future hold?
What does the future hold for the health writing industry this year? Are we in good shape, and where are the opportunities? Read on to find out.
How your language shapes your reader’s decision-making process
A US research team aimed to determine the natural language indicators of uncertainty – and then understand how these indicators predict decisional conflict.
The ‘health halo’ effect: perception and myth
Health buzzwords like ‘protein’, ‘paleo’ and ‘organic’ are used by marketers as key selling points for many of today’s health products. Yet these words can also trick consumers into believing a product is healthier than it really is.
Health Communication Research Review – Volume 1, Number 8
Motivational factors, text messages and more – browse the latest health communication research.
Enhancing motivation: a health writing strategy
As health writers, we focus a lot of our energy on knowledge. We write ‘how to’ articles about eating better, exercising more, breaking bad habits, making healthy choices and reducing risk factors. We offer knowledge – but, we rarely sell the desire to change.
How long should it take to write a 500-word article?
This is a question that comes up often in my course groups. And, it’s reasonable and natural to worry about time. Time is money. The less time you spend writing, the more money you make. The more time you spend researching, writing, reviewing and refining, the more your hourly rate drops.