The spread of scientific culture based on knowledge resulting from research in the health sciences is seen as an instrument and as a social movement (mobilization of target-groups) capable of mediating the enhancement of the level of health literacy and, consequently, of providing health gains for the population. Reflection regarding the integration of the concept of dissemination of health science (based on factors that encompass science, education, language, and communication), in addition to understanding, knowledge, and, consequently, the field of health sciences, is hereby advanced for reflection.
The aspects related to the role of those who generate and disseminate health scientific knowledge and literacy, and who communicate about health issues, are subject to a debate that favours specialized communicators, which is not synonymous with journalists, with a particular health institution or with schools.
It is in this context that we have three categories of target audiences for health information and communication messages, which can generate health crises whenever messages are incorrectly disseminated: Personal (individuals and families), where individual and precise health communication takes place; where decisions are taken; where choices are made; Institutional (services and support to the general public). General and collective health communication; where access to health services takes place; where health efficacy occurs (or not); where there is comfort (or not); Public (population at large). Where there is universal access to health information (pandemic situations); where there is knowledge (or not) about health; where there is respect (or not) for health rights and duties; where there is mobilization (or not).
At this point it is important to note that whenever these topics are not seen to at once, health crises will arise. This topic will be addressed in a new article: Communicating health crises.

Isabel de Santiago
Independent Lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon
Executive coordinator of the master degree in health communication
Holder of a master degree in crisis communication
isantiago@netcabo.pt