HCIRB supports research to address communication inequalities with the goal of improving health for all. Communication inequalities are differences in individual or group-specific exposure to health communication messages and in the capacity to access, process, and act upon the information received. These differences can contribute to or exacerbate existing cancer disparities. HCIRB encourages research examining the impact of communication inequalities on cancer-related outcomes, and the development, testing, and implementation of strategies to improve health for all populations.
Research priorities include:
Health Literacy
Health literacy is the degree to which individuals can find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others, as well as the degree to which organizations equitably enable individuals to find, understand, and use health information and services. Limited health literacy is associated with lower rates of preventive care, worse treatment adherence, and poorer health-related quality of life. Health literacy may contribute to differential health outcomes by affecting utilization and navigation of health care, patient-provider interactions, and disease self-management.
HCIRB encourages innovative research that examines the role of health literacy in public health and cancer care, and tests interventions at the individual or organizational level to improve health literacy or mitigate the negative effects of limited health literacy.
The Digital Divide
The digital divide refers to differences in access to or use of information technology across populations. Digital health technologies (e.g., mobile apps, telehealth, patient portals, wearable devices) have the potential to enhance health and quality of life by helping individuals find health information, monitor their health, and obtain support. However, unequal access to and use of technology among certain groups also has the potential to further exacerbate existing health disparities. Therefore, it is vital to understand how the digital divide contributes to health disparities and ensure that technologies improve health for all populations.
HCIRB encourages research that seeks to understand and address the impact of the digital divide on cancer-related outcomes.
Medical Mistrust in Health Care Settings
Trust and trustworthiness are cornerstones of quality care across the cancer continuum. Medical mistrust is associated with lower rates of preventive behaviors and poorer health outcomes among certain underserved groups. Patient-centered communication has been shown to reduce the effects of medical mistrust, which suggests that targeting communication could be an important strategy for increasing trust.
HCIRB supports research focused on the relationships between communication and medical mistrust as well as the development of communication interventions to address medical mistrust in health care settings.
Funding Opportunities
Check back later for future funding announcements.