Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch (HCIRB)

Mission

The Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch (HCIRB) advances research on the processes and effects of communication and health information technology across the cancer control continuum. HCIRB is within the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Behavioral Research Program (BRP), in the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS).

HCIRB Scientific Priorities Include:

  • Evaluating trends in public awareness, perceptions, knowledge, and social norms related to cancer risk factors and screening practices
  • Assessing public support for communication-related cancer control policies
  • Improving the accessibility and usability of cancer information
  • Investigating the impact of the changing media environment on knowledge and attitudes towards cancer prevention and control
  • Understanding and improving cancer communication processes in public health practice, community settings, and health care systems
  • Examining the utility and efficacy of innovative methods for studying communication patterns and processes
  • Developing and evaluating communication interventions that operate at multiple levels of influence for behaviors relevant to cancer prevention and control 
  • Supporting the development and adoption of innovative, evidence-based interventions that leverage emerging technologies and platforms such as telehealth, patient portals, smartphone and mobile apps, wireless sensors and devices, and social media
  • Examining the role of communication inequalities in observed health disparities, and developing interventions to address these inequities
  • Supporting the translation of health communication research into public health and clinical practice across the cancer control continuum

HCIRB also periodically conducts analyses of communication-focused research funded by NCI to identify gaps and opportunities for future research. The first portfolio analysis reviewed grants funded between 2000-2012 and the second analysis reviewed grants funded from 2013-2019.

News and Highlights

Featured Funding Announcement

Leveraging Health Information Technology (Health IT) to Address and Reduce Health Care Disparities

PAR-22-145 (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)

See More Announcements

HCIRB Grant Portfolio and Funding Opportunities

 

Featured Grantees

Meet Our Staff

 

Our team of accomplished scientists and research associates, fellows, and administrators is dedicated to advancing behavioral science research in cancer prevention and control.

HCIRB Staff
staff photo
Last Updated
February 08, 2024