Dr. Alicia Mason joined the PSU Department of Communication in fall of 2009. Mason is a former broadcaster who worked with local media outlets KOAM and KKOW in SE Kansas, prior to receiving a Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma. Mason's work has been presented at several national and international conferences, and appears in top academic journals including: Communication Quarterly, Communication Monographs, International Journal of Business Communication, Health Communication, Journal of Intercultural Communication, and the International Journal of Communication and Health. Mason’s academic interest in risk and crisis communication spans corporate, public health, and environmental contexts. Mason received the 2013 PSU Outstanding Undergraduate Research Mentor Award, the 2014 recipient of the Outstanding Teaching Award and 2021 Outstanding Research Award in the PSU College of Arts and Sciences. Mason is the director of the Communication Research Lab at Pittsburg State University, co-advisor for the Pitt State: PR
International Journal of Business Communication, 2016
This study aims to grow our current understanding of situational crisis communication theory by e... more This study aims to grow our current understanding of situational crisis communication theory by expanding on the conceptualization of causal responsibility as the primary mechanism contributing to the cognitive formulation of blame by stakeholder groups. By doing so, this research sought to assess the differential impact of common media frames of crisis events in order to inform organizational crisis communication efforts. A total of 186 students participated in an experimental study from a Midwest university. A series of multivariate analyses of variances were computed to assess the hypotheses advanced in the study. Results indicated that crisis frames can negatively affect organizational reputations. Episodic frames were found to amplify the reputational threat levels in both the victim and accidental clusters. Findings also indicated that when stakeholders perceive the source of the media report as being highly credible, more negative perceptions toward the organizations involved in the crisis were generated. The results help inform the corporate communication response process designed to address the “image” of a crisis as an attribute of consideration, in relation to the framing of the crisis event. Limitations and future directions are offered.
Advances in Natural and Technological Hazards Research, 2016
This chapter documents a content analysis of 62 media reports related to the 2011 blue-green alga... more This chapter documents a content analysis of 62 media reports related to the 2011 blue-green algae (BGA) outbreak on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, Oklahoma. A three-stage crisis model is used to understand the media framing and crisis communication related to the event. Media reports were categorized according to modality. The data set included: traditional media reports (n = 21, 33 %), online blogs (n = 7, 11 %), and online press releases (n = 34, 54 %). These units of analysis represent both controlled and uncontrolled media representations of the crisis event. The objectives of this analysis are to understand how risk and crisis communication strategies were utilized before, during, and after the BGA outbreak. Five strategies and techniques for improving crisis communication effectiveness are detailed. Limitations and implications are provided.
This experimental investigation examines the role and impact of media frames and enhanced treatme... more This experimental investigation examines the role and impact of media frames and enhanced treatment responsibility within the situational crisis communication theory framework. An experiment was conducted among 121 undergraduate students at a Midwestern university. The results indicated that enhanced treatment responsibility resulted in an elevated reputational threat to organizations. Furthermore, it was found that crisis reports that emphasized treatment responsibility resulted in elevated negative affect toward the organizations. Implications, discussion and future directions are provided.
With recognition of (1) unmet health information needs of persons with disabilities; and (2) anti... more With recognition of (1) unmet health information needs of persons with disabilities; and (2) anticipated growth of the persons with disabilities population, we seek to better understand the relative general accessibility of health information on popular, highly ranked health websites. That is, instead of examining the efficacy and impact of specific types of health message appeals, the present investigation assesses the functional performance of specific content platforms of health websites. We examine the components of accessing and understanding health information through the lens of web and language accessibility, readability, and mobility. A total of 139 health-focused websites were randomly sampled from the Alexa® “Top Sites” global ranking system which uses web traffic data to rank the most popular websites. The sample was processed using computer aided software (e.g., WEB AIM, Web FX & Google Test My Site.) We found 91.3% of sampled home pages had detectable accessibility failures. The most common accessibility failures were low contrast, empty links, missing ALT text, empty buttons, and missing form labels. Most websites offered neither an accessibility policy statement nor an option for automated language translation service, likely impacting those with limited English proficiency (LEP). The implications for these findings are reviewed with discussion and limitations provided.
In June of 2014, geologists reported that, for the first time, more earthquakes greater than magn... more In June of 2014, geologists reported that, for the first time, more earthquakes greater than magnitude 3.0 occurred in Oklahoma than in California (Terry-Cobo, 2014). In Oklahoma, the frequency of earthquakes that are strong enough to be felt has increased 44 times in recent years and this has been correlated to a dramatic increase in high-volume, horizontal hydraulic fracturing (HVHHF) operations (Hume, 2014). The purpose of this research is to (1) to determine the distinct attributes of tracking as it is framed at the local, national, and international levels; (2) to understand the image restoration strategies employed by the oil and natural gas industries; and (3) to further analyze the stakeholder processes involving policy makers and community members to date. The investigation is novel in that it analyzes environmental media representations of induced earthquake risk across three different geographic and media landscapes (e.g., local, national and international). A total of 169 print news reports were included for analysis: 48 local/Oklahoma reports (30% of total sample). Differences in the types and sources of information were found between the local, national and international framing of the connection between high-volume, hydraulic fracturing (HVHHF). Interpretation, discussion and implications are provided. Although Oklahoma is currently leading the US in earthquakes it is not currently included among the 16 states the USGS recognizes as having a high risk for hazards earthquakes. Oklahoma media has a history of underreporting the voices of victims suffering from environmental contaminations date back to the Tri-State Mining practices in NE Oklahoma, and now as Oklahoma becomes more familiar with shaky ground. While scientists look for any potential connections between tracking and the environment many times the voices of those impacted by these decisions are muted, underrepresented in the news reports. The emotional trauma and economic losses experienced by those within the community has yet to become salient attribute of the framing of the Oklahoma fracking. The economics of public safety has yet to emerge as an “investment” opportunity outside of the insurance market. Of noticeable concern is the lack of strategic messaging designed to foster collective self-efficacy that would allow people to know what to do in response to earthquakes? Instructional information related to personal earthquake preparedness was virtually absent from the sample. The most consistent instructional information communicated to Oklahoma residents was to buy earthquake insurance. In Oklahoma, the stakeholders remain divided. Activists want to ban tracking while other argue for tougher regulation, such as seismic monitoring near injection wells and mandatory data sharing. Donald Clarke, who teaches at the University of Southern California, said a key to preventing earthquakes appears to be to controlling the flow and pressure of the water as it is being injected. The challenge is determining where it’s safe to inject large volumes of wastewater. “There are places that are safe to do this,” he said. “Figuring out where those places are is probably one of the most important pieces of the puzzle” (Simpson, 2014)
Throughout the Spring of 2015 an in-depth quantitative analysis of stakeholders throughout the Gr... more Throughout the Spring of 2015 an in-depth quantitative analysis of stakeholders throughout the Grand Lake watershed was conducted on behalf of the Grad Lake Watershed Alliance Foundation (GLWAF). GLWAF’s mission is to protect the water quality within the 10,298 square mile Grand Lake watershed located across the 4-state region, within portions of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. The watershed is the principle water source that is relied upon by nearly 1 million residents in the region. The watershed has regional and national economic importance but lacks the financial commitment necessary to prevent further degrading of water quality. The project was designed to assist the Grand Lake Watershed Alliance Foundation by: (1) producing an exhaustive comparative analysis of similar Foundations (2) identifying key stakeholder groups throughout the watershed for future collaborative initiatives; (3) developing a concept and testing message-based educational materials regarding environmental risks/dangers across the region; and (4) developing fundraising and outreach mechanisms to assist the organization’s future efforts to cultivate strategic regional corporate and private partnerships. This research utilizes standardized scales to assess participants’ knowledge, attitudes, pro-social environmental behaviors, and beliefs toward the emerging environmental risks facing the watershed. This project extends Mason & Triplett’s (2015) line of research that focuses on pragmatic communication strategies to both inform and protect stakeholders in the watershed region who are continually impacted by persistent and pervasive environmental threats, such as blue-green algae. Our poster presentation summarizes the report of findings and discusses implications and future stakeholder management strategies to assist communities who must adapt to the regional environmental changes that are reducing water quality
By late October 2014 eight confirmed cases of Ebola had been or were being treated within the Uni... more By late October 2014 eight confirmed cases of Ebola had been or were being treated within the United States. During the time of Ebola’s amplification period in the media an online survey hosted through the Department of Communication’s Communication Research Lab was distributed. Data was collected between October 4, 2014, and December 5, 2014. Participants included 327 individuals (male n=117, 36%; female n=210, 64%) from across the United States. The extended parallel processing model (EPPM) serves as the theoretical frame to examine the relationships between media exposure and audience perceptions of Ebola’s threat severity and their personal susceptibility. Additional measurements include the public trust in the U.S. public health infrastructure, perceived their person effects, and individual behavioral intentions. Significant differences were found such that audiences who reported higher levels of exposure to media reports about Ebola were more likely to perceive an elevated level of personal susceptibility and increased threat severity. This project outlines the research limitations, discusses applied implications for public health practitioners, and includes future directions for additional exploration
Currently an estimated 44 million people are living with dementia worldwide (ADI, 2014). The Worl... more Currently an estimated 44 million people are living with dementia worldwide (ADI, 2014). The World Health Organization (WHO) reports the 60+ years of age worldwide population will more than triple between 2000 and 2050 to 2 billion. The concept of Western patients receiving long term dementia care in foreign countries is a new and emerging phenomenon (Gray, 2013; Pomareda, 2014; Wergerer, 2014). This study examines the visual images within Alzheimer’s care facility web sites (n= 1 05) and uses a cross cultural comparison lens to contrast differences in patient representations and treatment options. The goal of this study was to analyze the differences in representations of Alzheimer’s patients, providers, caregivers, treatment options and types of social interactions (e.g., family, other patients). More multiculturalism and ethnic diversity was documented in memory care centers in the Southeast Asia and Western Pacific WHO regions.https://digitalcommons.pittstate.edu/posters_2015/10...
PurposeThis study examines the prominence and congruence or “fit” between corporate social respon... more PurposeThis study examines the prominence and congruence or “fit” between corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities and medical tourism providers (MTPs). In doing so, this study seeks to understand the forms of CSR commonly used in the marketing of health-care services by international MTPs.Design/methodology/approachExploratory quantitative content analysis methods are used to examine CSR communication provided by MTPs. Descriptive statistics and analyses of variance are used to analyze the data.FindingsResults show that 22% of MTP websites provided CSR information. There was a high degree of congruence or “fit” between the MTPs and the CSR. Furthermore, each MTP averaged between three and six CSR engagements demonstrating a commitment to not only the practice of CSR but also the stakeholders and communities who benefit.Research limitations/implicationsThis analysis focused on organizational websites and did not examine CSR communications delivered through alternative media ...
Advances in Human Services and Public Health, 2020
Medical tourism is a process in which a consumer travels from one's place of residence and re... more Medical tourism is a process in which a consumer travels from one's place of residence and receives medical treatment, thus becoming a patient. Patients Beyond Borders (PBB) forecasts some 1.9 million Americans will travel outside the United States for medical care in 2019. This chapter explores media representations of patient mortality associated with medical tourism within the global news media occurring between 2009-2019. A qualitative content analysis of 50 patient mortality cases found that (1) a majority of media representations of medical tourism patient death are of middle-class, minority females between 25-55 years of age who seek cosmetic surgery internationally; (2) sudden death, grief, and bereavement counseling is noticeably absent from medical tourism providers (MTPs); and (3) risk information from authority figures within the media reports is often vague and abstract. A detailed list of health communication recommendations and considerations for future medical to...
In June of 2014, geologists reported that, for the first time, more earthquakes greater than magn... more In June of 2014, geologists reported that, for the first time, more earthquakes greater than magnitude 3.0 occurred in Oklahoma than in California [Terry-Cobo, 2014]. In Oklahoma, the frequency of earthquakes that are strong enough to be felt has increased 44 times in recent years and this has been correlated to a dramatic increase in high-volume, horizontal hydraulic fracturing (HVHHF) operations [Hume, 2014]. The aims of this study are: (1) to determine how hydraulic fracturing, commonly called fracking, and Oklahoma earthquakes are framed by print-based media at the local, national, and international levels; (2) to understand how the association between these factors has evolved over time; and (3) to further analyze the differences between experts on the subjects of causality and threat characterization (e.g., severity). A total of 169 print news reports were included for analysis: 48 local/Oklahoma reports (28% of total sample), 72 national reports (42% of total sample) and 49 i...
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the crisis communication strategies used by th... more Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the crisis communication strategies used by the Caribbean medical tourism industry in the 2017 hurricane season, and also evaluate the quality of the disaster communication messages delivered via digital mediums. Design/methodology/approach This study includes a comprehensive, qualitative content analysis of 149 risk and crisis messages from 51 healthcare organizations distributed through digital media. The medical tourism providers (MTPs) include hospitals, medical tourism facilitators, practitioners/private physicians, specialty clinics, and dental and cosmetic providers. Findings Nearly half of the MTPs included in the data set delivered no post-disaster information to external audiences. The most prominent post-disaster message strategy utilized was conveying operational messages. Furthermore, an unexpected finding was the sheer magnitude of unrelated health-oriented and promotional destination marketing content disseminated bef...
International Journal of Business Communication, 2016
This study aims to grow our current understanding of situational crisis communication theory by e... more This study aims to grow our current understanding of situational crisis communication theory by expanding on the conceptualization of causal responsibility as the primary mechanism contributing to the cognitive formulation of blame by stakeholder groups. By doing so, this research sought to assess the differential impact of common media frames of crisis events in order to inform organizational crisis communication efforts. A total of 186 students participated in an experimental study from a Midwest university. A series of multivariate analyses of variances were computed to assess the hypotheses advanced in the study. Results indicated that crisis frames can negatively affect organizational reputations. Episodic frames were found to amplify the reputational threat levels in both the victim and accidental clusters. Findings also indicated that when stakeholders perceive the source of the media report as being highly credible, more negative perceptions toward the organizations involved in the crisis were generated. The results help inform the corporate communication response process designed to address the “image” of a crisis as an attribute of consideration, in relation to the framing of the crisis event. Limitations and future directions are offered.
Advances in Natural and Technological Hazards Research, 2016
This chapter documents a content analysis of 62 media reports related to the 2011 blue-green alga... more This chapter documents a content analysis of 62 media reports related to the 2011 blue-green algae (BGA) outbreak on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, Oklahoma. A three-stage crisis model is used to understand the media framing and crisis communication related to the event. Media reports were categorized according to modality. The data set included: traditional media reports (n = 21, 33 %), online blogs (n = 7, 11 %), and online press releases (n = 34, 54 %). These units of analysis represent both controlled and uncontrolled media representations of the crisis event. The objectives of this analysis are to understand how risk and crisis communication strategies were utilized before, during, and after the BGA outbreak. Five strategies and techniques for improving crisis communication effectiveness are detailed. Limitations and implications are provided.
This experimental investigation examines the role and impact of media frames and enhanced treatme... more This experimental investigation examines the role and impact of media frames and enhanced treatment responsibility within the situational crisis communication theory framework. An experiment was conducted among 121 undergraduate students at a Midwestern university. The results indicated that enhanced treatment responsibility resulted in an elevated reputational threat to organizations. Furthermore, it was found that crisis reports that emphasized treatment responsibility resulted in elevated negative affect toward the organizations. Implications, discussion and future directions are provided.
With recognition of (1) unmet health information needs of persons with disabilities; and (2) anti... more With recognition of (1) unmet health information needs of persons with disabilities; and (2) anticipated growth of the persons with disabilities population, we seek to better understand the relative general accessibility of health information on popular, highly ranked health websites. That is, instead of examining the efficacy and impact of specific types of health message appeals, the present investigation assesses the functional performance of specific content platforms of health websites. We examine the components of accessing and understanding health information through the lens of web and language accessibility, readability, and mobility. A total of 139 health-focused websites were randomly sampled from the Alexa® “Top Sites” global ranking system which uses web traffic data to rank the most popular websites. The sample was processed using computer aided software (e.g., WEB AIM, Web FX & Google Test My Site.) We found 91.3% of sampled home pages had detectable accessibility failures. The most common accessibility failures were low contrast, empty links, missing ALT text, empty buttons, and missing form labels. Most websites offered neither an accessibility policy statement nor an option for automated language translation service, likely impacting those with limited English proficiency (LEP). The implications for these findings are reviewed with discussion and limitations provided.
In June of 2014, geologists reported that, for the first time, more earthquakes greater than magn... more In June of 2014, geologists reported that, for the first time, more earthquakes greater than magnitude 3.0 occurred in Oklahoma than in California (Terry-Cobo, 2014). In Oklahoma, the frequency of earthquakes that are strong enough to be felt has increased 44 times in recent years and this has been correlated to a dramatic increase in high-volume, horizontal hydraulic fracturing (HVHHF) operations (Hume, 2014). The purpose of this research is to (1) to determine the distinct attributes of tracking as it is framed at the local, national, and international levels; (2) to understand the image restoration strategies employed by the oil and natural gas industries; and (3) to further analyze the stakeholder processes involving policy makers and community members to date. The investigation is novel in that it analyzes environmental media representations of induced earthquake risk across three different geographic and media landscapes (e.g., local, national and international). A total of 169 print news reports were included for analysis: 48 local/Oklahoma reports (30% of total sample). Differences in the types and sources of information were found between the local, national and international framing of the connection between high-volume, hydraulic fracturing (HVHHF). Interpretation, discussion and implications are provided. Although Oklahoma is currently leading the US in earthquakes it is not currently included among the 16 states the USGS recognizes as having a high risk for hazards earthquakes. Oklahoma media has a history of underreporting the voices of victims suffering from environmental contaminations date back to the Tri-State Mining practices in NE Oklahoma, and now as Oklahoma becomes more familiar with shaky ground. While scientists look for any potential connections between tracking and the environment many times the voices of those impacted by these decisions are muted, underrepresented in the news reports. The emotional trauma and economic losses experienced by those within the community has yet to become salient attribute of the framing of the Oklahoma fracking. The economics of public safety has yet to emerge as an “investment” opportunity outside of the insurance market. Of noticeable concern is the lack of strategic messaging designed to foster collective self-efficacy that would allow people to know what to do in response to earthquakes? Instructional information related to personal earthquake preparedness was virtually absent from the sample. The most consistent instructional information communicated to Oklahoma residents was to buy earthquake insurance. In Oklahoma, the stakeholders remain divided. Activists want to ban tracking while other argue for tougher regulation, such as seismic monitoring near injection wells and mandatory data sharing. Donald Clarke, who teaches at the University of Southern California, said a key to preventing earthquakes appears to be to controlling the flow and pressure of the water as it is being injected. The challenge is determining where it’s safe to inject large volumes of wastewater. “There are places that are safe to do this,” he said. “Figuring out where those places are is probably one of the most important pieces of the puzzle” (Simpson, 2014)
Throughout the Spring of 2015 an in-depth quantitative analysis of stakeholders throughout the Gr... more Throughout the Spring of 2015 an in-depth quantitative analysis of stakeholders throughout the Grand Lake watershed was conducted on behalf of the Grad Lake Watershed Alliance Foundation (GLWAF). GLWAF’s mission is to protect the water quality within the 10,298 square mile Grand Lake watershed located across the 4-state region, within portions of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. The watershed is the principle water source that is relied upon by nearly 1 million residents in the region. The watershed has regional and national economic importance but lacks the financial commitment necessary to prevent further degrading of water quality. The project was designed to assist the Grand Lake Watershed Alliance Foundation by: (1) producing an exhaustive comparative analysis of similar Foundations (2) identifying key stakeholder groups throughout the watershed for future collaborative initiatives; (3) developing a concept and testing message-based educational materials regarding environmental risks/dangers across the region; and (4) developing fundraising and outreach mechanisms to assist the organization’s future efforts to cultivate strategic regional corporate and private partnerships. This research utilizes standardized scales to assess participants’ knowledge, attitudes, pro-social environmental behaviors, and beliefs toward the emerging environmental risks facing the watershed. This project extends Mason & Triplett’s (2015) line of research that focuses on pragmatic communication strategies to both inform and protect stakeholders in the watershed region who are continually impacted by persistent and pervasive environmental threats, such as blue-green algae. Our poster presentation summarizes the report of findings and discusses implications and future stakeholder management strategies to assist communities who must adapt to the regional environmental changes that are reducing water quality
By late October 2014 eight confirmed cases of Ebola had been or were being treated within the Uni... more By late October 2014 eight confirmed cases of Ebola had been or were being treated within the United States. During the time of Ebola’s amplification period in the media an online survey hosted through the Department of Communication’s Communication Research Lab was distributed. Data was collected between October 4, 2014, and December 5, 2014. Participants included 327 individuals (male n=117, 36%; female n=210, 64%) from across the United States. The extended parallel processing model (EPPM) serves as the theoretical frame to examine the relationships between media exposure and audience perceptions of Ebola’s threat severity and their personal susceptibility. Additional measurements include the public trust in the U.S. public health infrastructure, perceived their person effects, and individual behavioral intentions. Significant differences were found such that audiences who reported higher levels of exposure to media reports about Ebola were more likely to perceive an elevated level of personal susceptibility and increased threat severity. This project outlines the research limitations, discusses applied implications for public health practitioners, and includes future directions for additional exploration
Currently an estimated 44 million people are living with dementia worldwide (ADI, 2014). The Worl... more Currently an estimated 44 million people are living with dementia worldwide (ADI, 2014). The World Health Organization (WHO) reports the 60+ years of age worldwide population will more than triple between 2000 and 2050 to 2 billion. The concept of Western patients receiving long term dementia care in foreign countries is a new and emerging phenomenon (Gray, 2013; Pomareda, 2014; Wergerer, 2014). This study examines the visual images within Alzheimer’s care facility web sites (n= 1 05) and uses a cross cultural comparison lens to contrast differences in patient representations and treatment options. The goal of this study was to analyze the differences in representations of Alzheimer’s patients, providers, caregivers, treatment options and types of social interactions (e.g., family, other patients). More multiculturalism and ethnic diversity was documented in memory care centers in the Southeast Asia and Western Pacific WHO regions.https://digitalcommons.pittstate.edu/posters_2015/10...
PurposeThis study examines the prominence and congruence or “fit” between corporate social respon... more PurposeThis study examines the prominence and congruence or “fit” between corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities and medical tourism providers (MTPs). In doing so, this study seeks to understand the forms of CSR commonly used in the marketing of health-care services by international MTPs.Design/methodology/approachExploratory quantitative content analysis methods are used to examine CSR communication provided by MTPs. Descriptive statistics and analyses of variance are used to analyze the data.FindingsResults show that 22% of MTP websites provided CSR information. There was a high degree of congruence or “fit” between the MTPs and the CSR. Furthermore, each MTP averaged between three and six CSR engagements demonstrating a commitment to not only the practice of CSR but also the stakeholders and communities who benefit.Research limitations/implicationsThis analysis focused on organizational websites and did not examine CSR communications delivered through alternative media ...
Advances in Human Services and Public Health, 2020
Medical tourism is a process in which a consumer travels from one's place of residence and re... more Medical tourism is a process in which a consumer travels from one's place of residence and receives medical treatment, thus becoming a patient. Patients Beyond Borders (PBB) forecasts some 1.9 million Americans will travel outside the United States for medical care in 2019. This chapter explores media representations of patient mortality associated with medical tourism within the global news media occurring between 2009-2019. A qualitative content analysis of 50 patient mortality cases found that (1) a majority of media representations of medical tourism patient death are of middle-class, minority females between 25-55 years of age who seek cosmetic surgery internationally; (2) sudden death, grief, and bereavement counseling is noticeably absent from medical tourism providers (MTPs); and (3) risk information from authority figures within the media reports is often vague and abstract. A detailed list of health communication recommendations and considerations for future medical to...
In June of 2014, geologists reported that, for the first time, more earthquakes greater than magn... more In June of 2014, geologists reported that, for the first time, more earthquakes greater than magnitude 3.0 occurred in Oklahoma than in California [Terry-Cobo, 2014]. In Oklahoma, the frequency of earthquakes that are strong enough to be felt has increased 44 times in recent years and this has been correlated to a dramatic increase in high-volume, horizontal hydraulic fracturing (HVHHF) operations [Hume, 2014]. The aims of this study are: (1) to determine how hydraulic fracturing, commonly called fracking, and Oklahoma earthquakes are framed by print-based media at the local, national, and international levels; (2) to understand how the association between these factors has evolved over time; and (3) to further analyze the differences between experts on the subjects of causality and threat characterization (e.g., severity). A total of 169 print news reports were included for analysis: 48 local/Oklahoma reports (28% of total sample), 72 national reports (42% of total sample) and 49 i...
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the crisis communication strategies used by th... more Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the crisis communication strategies used by the Caribbean medical tourism industry in the 2017 hurricane season, and also evaluate the quality of the disaster communication messages delivered via digital mediums. Design/methodology/approach This study includes a comprehensive, qualitative content analysis of 149 risk and crisis messages from 51 healthcare organizations distributed through digital media. The medical tourism providers (MTPs) include hospitals, medical tourism facilitators, practitioners/private physicians, specialty clinics, and dental and cosmetic providers. Findings Nearly half of the MTPs included in the data set delivered no post-disaster information to external audiences. The most prominent post-disaster message strategy utilized was conveying operational messages. Furthermore, an unexpected finding was the sheer magnitude of unrelated health-oriented and promotional destination marketing content disseminated bef...
With recognition of (1) unmet health information needs of persons with disabilities; and (2) anti... more With recognition of (1) unmet health information needs of persons with disabilities; and (2) anticipated growth of the persons with disabilities population, we seek to better understand the relative general accessibility of health information on popular, highly ranked health websites. That is, instead of examining the efficacy and impact of specific types of health message appeals, the present investigation assesses the functional performance of specific content platforms of health websites. We examine the components of accessing and understanding health information through the lens of web and language accessibility, readability, and mobility. A total of 139 health-focused websites were randomly sampled from the Alexa® "Top Sites" global ranking system which uses web traffic data to rank the most popular websites. The sample was processed using computer aided software (e.g., WEB AIM, Web FX & Google Test My Site.) We found 91.3% of sampled home pages had detectable accessibility failures. The most common accessibility failures were low contrast, empty links, missing ALT text, empty buttons, and missing form labels. Most websites offered neither an accessibility policy statement nor an option for automated language translation service, likely impacting those with limited English proficiency (LEP). The implications for these findings are reviewed with discussion and limitations provided.
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