ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES Basic Community Health

Health Education Methods & Aids

Dr. N Sivarajah Department of Community & Family Medicine Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna October 11,2012 2-3pm

METHODS OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION

Individual approach Person to Person Communication Group approach Communicating to Group of People Mass Media Communicating with a large number of people at one time
Dr. N Sivarajah H Ed - AHS 2

METHODS OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION

INDIVIDUAL APPROACH PERSONAL CONTACT HOME VISITS PERSONAL LETTERS GROUP APPROACH LECTURES DEMONSTRATIONS DISCUSSIONS MASS APPROACH Audio RADIO Visual NEWSPAPERS PRINTED MATERIAL POSTERS Audio-Visual TELEVISION MUSEUMS EXHIBITIONS INTERNET
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GROUP
PANEL SYMPOSIUM WORKSHOPS CONFERENCES SEMINARS

DRAMA

Individual approach
Advantages
More effective

Limitations
Time consuming More resources needed

Dr. N Sivarajah

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Group approach
Advantages
Better than mass communication Problems can be discussed Two way communication possible

Limitations
Small number is reached

Dr. N Sivarajah

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Mass Communication
Advantages
Cheaper Reaches a large population Useful in creating awareness

Limitations
Less effective in changing behaviour

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Television
Although TV is a mass communication method it is more effective than other mass media as the educator enters the home and speaks to the household

Dr. N Sivarajah

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Person to Person communication

Most effective in changing behaviour Method freely available to all Health staff but very sparsely utilized Patients are receptive Two way communication present To be effective health staff (doctors, Nurses, FHW etc) must be knowledgeable in principles of person to person communication
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Person to Person communication

- continued

Select suitable environment Feel Free and equal Be interested in the patient Start the conversation but dont keep talking Be an Observer let the other person talk Talk clearly Dont condemn
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Person to Person communication

- continued

Dont Condemn No one likes to be condemned Dont argue Differ Graciously You must be convinced before you convince others Smile A smile increases the face value Respect the other persons views
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Person to Person communication

Dont make decisions for others
Help them to make their decisions. If they make the decision, they will carry them out.

Maintain high degree of Health standards Practice what you preach

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Group Education could be

Group discussion Short talk followed by questions A panel of experts answering questions Role playing Practical demonstration

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Group Health Education

Participants should have a similar interest Ideal group should be 6 20 All must face each other Should have known each other before but not too much (not close relatives or friends) Should have a concern for the problem to be discussed
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Mass media
Audio
Radio

Audio visual
Films Television Exhibitions Museum

Visual
Posters Magazines Newspapers

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Educational Aids used without equipment

Graphic Material
Prints Pictures from newspapers - Posters Photographs Maps / charts / diagrams Flash cards

3 Dimensional Aids
Models (miniatures) Exhibits (Live Real Objects

Simulation
Actors
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Educational Aids (equipment)

Blackboard and chalk Over Head Projector Multimedia Projector

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Black board
Advantages
Cheap locally made Very little maintenance Versatile used for wide range of graphic representation

Disadvantage
Time consuming Teacher not facing students Audience limited 30 - 50
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Important points in using blackboard

Paint Green - Regularly (every 6 months) Place No glare Sit in last row read what you have written Dont talk to the blackboard

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Models and Simulation devices - advantages

Three dimensional concept of reality Size allows close examination Good for magnified situations (Eg Middle ear) Can be used to demonstrate function and construction Can permit learning and practice of different techniques Some can be made with local material
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Models and Simulation devices - limitations

Craftsmanship required for local construction Simulation models often expensive Usable only for small groups Models often easily damaged without careful handling Never same as performing technique on a patient Eg CPR
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Objects & Specimens - advantages

Three dimensional Present reality not substitutes Permits use of all senses in studying

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Objects & Specimens - Limitations

May not be easily obtainable Inconvenient size danger in use Cost may be high Only small groups can use Sometimes easily damaged Problems in storage

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Thank you

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