Multiple scoping and systematic reviews have highlighted the ability of popular television content, and in particular medical television shows, to influence both lay person viewers and health professionals. In particular, this content can influence patients’ perceptions of healthcare provider communication and also be leveraged to train clinicians in health communication topics.

This full day course is based on this previous research and Dr. Hoffman’s experience teaching on these topics.

The first part of the course will include an overview of theoretical mechanism that explain this influence (e.g. cultivation theory) and a summary of previous research in the field. Next, the course will move into a more detailed discussion of research methods commonly used in the field, with a focus on content analysis, quantitative and qualitative evaluation of viewers, and social media data, before detailing methods used for entertainment education, or the use of TV clips in classroom-based education.

The second part of the course will allow participants to apply what they’ve learned thus far to either creating their own research study or educational program, with time for group feedback.

Learning Objectives

Specific learning objectives include:

• Describe the theoretical basis for the influence of television storylines on health.
• Discuss how medical television content can influence viewers’ perceptions of communication in healthcare settings, including both patients and providers.
• Demonstrate how researchers can evaluate the influence of health storylines on viewers’ health-related outcomes.
• Discuss how television clips can be used for healthcare professional education around communication topics.
• Apply course content to the creation of a research or teaching protocol.

COURSE FACILITATOR

Beth L. Hoffman, PhD, MPH

Dr. Hoffman is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health. She completed her Master’s in Public Health in 2019 and received her PhD from Pitt Public Health in May 2022.

Her research focuses on the portrayal of health topics on popular television programs and health information and misinformation on social media. She currently serves as Co-Investigator on an NIH-funded study examining nicotine and tobacco messaging on youth-oriented social media platforms, and the Principal Investigator on a project using data from Reddit to examine discourse around health topics featured in The Pitt. Dr. Hoffman also teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on community health and entertainment media and health.

Her research examining CPR on television has been featured by multiple news outlets, including The Guardian.

Course Fees:  EACH Member £75 / Non-Member £100

To register for this course click on the button below or scan the QR code