Learning Objectives

After reading this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. Identify characteristics of patients’ and providers’ communication styles.
  2. Make informed suggestions to improve communication between patients and providers, based on new understandings of your own experiences as a patient.
  3. Demonstrate how social networks influence health and lifestyle choices through everyday communication.
  4. List ways in which social networks provide support.
  5. Specify some influences of media and technology on issues of health.