Matthew W Kreuter1, Ricardo J Wray. 1. Health Communication Research Laboratory, School of Public Health, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA. kreuter@slu.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To discuss tailored messages in the broader context of communication strategies designed to enhance the relevance of health information to a given audience. METHODS: Describe specific mechanisms through which tailored health communication can enhance message relevance and identify situations in which the use of tailoring is most appropriate. RESULTS: Overall, tailored messages appear to stimulate greater cognitive activity than do messages that are not tailored. However, non-tailored messages that happen to be a good fit for a given individual also have similar effects. CONCLUSION: Health communication programs and materials that succeed in making information relevant to their intended audience will be more effective than those that do not. Tailoring is a proven approach to enhancing message relevance, but not the only approach to do so, and under many circumstances may not be the preferred choice.
OBJECTIVE: To discuss tailored messages in the broader context of communication strategies designed to enhance the relevance of health information to a given audience. METHODS: Describe specific mechanisms through which tailored health communication can enhance message relevance and identify situations in which the use of tailoring is most appropriate. RESULTS: Overall, tailored messages appear to stimulate greater cognitive activity than do messages that are not tailored. However, non-tailored messages that happen to be a good fit for a given individual also have similar effects. CONCLUSION: Health communication programs and materials that succeed in making information relevant to their intended audience will be more effective than those that do not. Tailoring is a proven approach to enhancing message relevance, but not the only approach to do so, and under many circumstances may not be the preferred choice.
Authors: Jasmine A McDonald; Benita Weathers; Frances K Barg; Andrea B Troxel; Judy A Shea; Deborah Bowen; Carmen E Guerra; Chanita Hughes Halbert Journal: Genet Test Mol Biomarkers Date: 2012-01-06
Authors: Lynne T Harris; Keren Lehavot; David Huh; Samantha Yard; Michele P Andrasik; Peter J Dunbar; Jane M Simoni Journal: Telemed J E Health Date: 2010-11-18 Impact factor: 3.536
Authors: Megan L Ranney; Esther K Choo; Rebecca M Cunningham; Anthony Spirito; Margaret Thorsen; Michael J Mello; Kathleen Morrow Journal: J Adolesc Health Date: 2014-02-18 Impact factor: 5.012