Research projects

Research Projects

Project leadEvelyn Watson and Anita Laidlaw.

Aim: To provide researchers in healthcare communication with high-quality courses on various topics related to research skills and knowledge on a regular basis

Output: Many research workshops have been delivered by rEACH and rEACH members at various meetings, ICCH conferences and summer events over the years. We are in the process of inventorying what courses we will continue to offer on the shorter and longer term. On the long-term, we will offer a wider variety of courses ranging from basic (intended for researchers new to healthcare communication) to advanced. This process will run in parallel with the development of quality criteria for EACH courses in general and with a process to ensure each course has enough qualified facilitators to offer continuity on a regular basis over the years.

Upcoming Courses

Project lead: Alexia Papageorgiou, Cyprus

Aim: To promote rEACH’s work through social media.

Output: Research related content relevant to health care communication is posted monthly in EACH’s social media.

Project leadIndia Pinker UK

Aim: The core aim of the rEACH summer school is to provide early-career researchers in healthcare communication the opportunity to present and discuss their work with peers and more experienced researchers, and to create a lasting peer-to-peer network.

Output: The rEACH summer school is held biennially. Past participants (2021) have reported the benefits of the summer school on their academic development and network:  Fragmented world, connected community: success factors of the first online EACH Summer School for early-career researchers. Our latest attendees (2023) are in the process of reporting their experiences for us to share.

Project lead: Marij Hillen, The Netherlands.

Aim: To provide EACH-members with a searchable catalogue of available coding instruments in the field of healthcare communication research.

OutputThe tools database includes information about existing tools to systematically code observed communication. Relevant resources such as validation papers and coding manuals are directly and freely downloadable from the database. The database is continuously updated by adding newly developed and identified tools.

Project Lead: Anna Udvardi, Hungary

Aim: To facilitate connectivity and engagement amongst healthcare communication researchers by fostering a sense of belonging and community within EACH.

Outputs: The connectivity project group works to provide opportunities for connectivity and networking through the organisation of a series of online interactive webinars focusing on the benefit and application of connectivity in professional activities.

Project Lead: Calum McHale, United Kingdom

Aim: To facilitate connectivity and engagement amongst healthcare communication researchers by fostering a sense of belonging and community within EACH.

Outputs: The connectivity project group work to provide opportunities for connectivity and networking through the organisation of a series of online interactive seminars focusing on the benefit and application of connectivity in professional activities. The connectivity working group also supports the improvement of digital connectivity by contributing to EACH website and forums development and managing the promotion of rEACH activities through social media.