This text provides a research-based thorough overview of health communication, balancing theory with practical advice and examples that encourage students to further develop their own communication skills. In a broad survey of the field, approached from the perspectives of both caregiver and patient, it offers solid coverage of the history of health care, an examination of culture's role in health and healing, and a look at current issues and challenges facing health care. The new edition includes expanded coverage of diversity among patients and of the impact of technology on health care communication today.