Mission
The Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch (HCIRB) advances research on the processes and effects of communication and informatics 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).
Scientific Priorities
HCIRB is dedicated to advancing and funding cancer communication research with the goals of improving public understanding of cancer-relevant information, enhancing patient-provider-caregiver interactions, improving team communications within and between health care systems, bridging the gap between clinical and public health messaging, and translating research into clinical and public health practice.
HCIRB’s research priorities include:
- Our communication science work aims to:
- Improve the interface between science, media, and clinical care
- Raise public awareness and knowledge about cancer prevention and control priorities by improving access to and understanding of cancer information
- Investigate the impact of the changing media environment on knowledge and attitudes toward cancer prevention and control
- Evaluate communication processes in public health practice, community settings, and health care systems to advance and improve cancer care delivery and prevention
- Examine the utility and efficacy of innovative methods for studying communication patterns and processes
- Our multilevel health communication work aims to:
- Develop and evaluate communication interventions that operate at multiple levels of influence for behaviors relevant to cancer control and prevention
- Use informatics technologies to bridge gaps in health communication between the individual, clinical, and community levels
- Our technology-mediated communication work aims to:
- Support the adoption of innovative, evidence-based interventions that leverage emerging technologies and online platforms such as health system portals, smartphone and mobile apps, wireless sensors and devices, and social media
- Test the use and implementation of technology to improve care coordination for patients and caregivers
- Encourage the development and translation of evidence-based innovations in health information technology (HIT) especially as they relate to patient engagement, population health, safety, and continuity of care
HCIRB recently published a portfolio analysis of communication-focused research funded by NCI, 2013-2019.
News and Highlights
- RFI: Challenges and Opportunities in Health and Science Communication Research - Submit your input by May 27, 2022.
- Cancer Currents Blog - Telehealth-based cancer care surged during COVID. Will it continue?
- New: HINTS Interactive Data Merging Tool
- New HINTS Brief: Public Awareness of Alcohol as a Risk Factor for Cancer
- Ethical Considerations for Social Media Research (PDF)
- Meet Featured HCIRB Researchers
Featured Funding Announcement
Notice of Special Interest: Research to Address Vaccine Hesitancy, Uptake, and Implementation among Populations that Experience Health Disparities
See More AnnouncementsResearch Areas
Initiatives
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