Making Health Communication Programs Work

Published by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in 2002, this 262-page handbook (also known as the "Pink Book") aims to present key principles and steps in developing and evaluating health communication programmes for the public, patients, and health professionals. It discusses specific steps in programme development and includes examples of their use. The handbook expands upon and replaces two earlier publications titled "Pretesting in Health Communications and Making PSA's Work".

From the Preface
"This book is a revision of the original 'Making Health Communication Programs Work', first printed in 1989, which the Office of Cancer Communications (OCC, now the Office of Communications) of the NCI developed to guide communication program planning. During the 25 years that NCI has been involved in health communication, ongoing evaluation of [their] communication programs has affirmed the value of using specific communication strategies to promote health and prevent disease. Research and practice continue to expand our understanding of the principles, theories, and techniques that provide a sound foundation for successful health communication programs. The purpose of this revision is to update communication planning guidelines to account for the advances in knowledge and technology that have occurred during the past decade.

To prepare this update, NCI solicited ideas and information from various health communication program planners and experts (see Acknowledgments). Their contributions ranged from reviewing and commenting on existing text to providing real-life examples to illustrate key concepts. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided extensive input as part of the agency’s partnership with NCI."

Click here to read the document part-by-part, online.

Click here to access the full book in PDF format.

As of this writing, the print format of this publication is out of stock. However, the CD version is available to order; please contact NCI at the below-listed address.