Bridging medical education and public health: a pedagogical model to develop future physicians’ capacity in audience-tailored health communication
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Objective: Effective health communication is a cornerstone of public health promotion. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a pedagogical model to equip future physicians with essential skills in audience-tailored science communication, thereby contributing to the public health workforce. Methods: The study involved 79 undergraduate students enrolled in the elective science communication course. The newly proposed A-SPIRE model (Anchoring, Searching, Processing, Integrating, Realizing, Evaluating) was applied in a teaching unit on "Precision Science Communication." A pre-post design was used, with data collected via questionnaires, knowledge tests, and analysis of student-created communication works. Results: < 0.05). The student-created works effectively addressed the needs and characteristics of different target populations, demonstrating strong relevance, targeting, and effectiveness. The student-created works demonstrated a strong ability to address the specific needs and characteristics of different target populations (adolescents, young/middle-aged adults, older adults). 92.6% of students were satisfied with the model, and 96.3% reported improved communication abilities. Conclusion: The A-SPIRE model effectively enhances medical students' competency in precision health communication. It represents a feasible and scalable educational strategy to bridge medical training and public health needs by cultivating a future workforce capable of designing and delivering effective, audience-specific health promotion interventions.
Source: Frontiers in Public Health
Language: English
Topic: Health and Medical Education
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7133493348