A community assessment begins with a basic windshield survey where each community subsystem is explored.  Explore how communication influences determinants of health and how communication systems can be used to promote and support health.

Communication is crucial in the influence of the factors that affect the health of people and communities. Communication systems that are effective can help promote health and improve outcomes by taking into account the factors such as social, economic and environmental.

Access to healthcare is one way communication can impact health-related determinants. Communication systems, such as mobile clinics and telemedicine, have helped improve healthcare access in many communities. Telemedicine allows healthcare professionals to provide consultations to patients remotely. This reduces the need to travel and increases access to medical services. Mobile health clinics are designed to provide care for individuals that may not otherwise have the opportunity to receive it.

You can use communication systems to encourage healthy lifestyles and behaviors. For example, health promotion campaigns can be distributed through different communication channels such as television, radio and social media to inform communities of the importance healthy habits such as exercising and eating well. Health literacy programs can also be developed to improve people’s understanding of health information, enabling them to make informed decisions about their health.

Communication systems that are effective can help address the social determinants such as housing, poverty and education. Communication channels can be used by community-based groups to increase access to housing at affordable prices, to education and to job opportunities. Communications can be used for social connection, an important aspect of mental well-being and health.

Summary: Effective communication systems may be used to improve health through improved access to healthcare, healthy behavior and lifestyles promotion, and social determinants. A community assessment, such as a windshield questionnaire, can identify the areas in which communication systems could be used to promote and support health.