Language is one of the most crucial yet most overlooked factors in healthcare. For example, both patient compliance and medical malpractice suits are directly related to patient perception of doctor-patient communication. Natural language is also a key factor in diagnosis, health information access, and reaching appropriate target audiences. Unfortunately, it is often those directly engaged in this type of talk, i.e. healthcare providers and patients, who are not able to objectively collect and analyze linguistic data in healthcare settings.

At this week's Think Tank, Susan Tamasi of Emory University will briefly review several lines of current work in health communication within Linguistics, including doctor-patient interactions, language and culture in healthcare, health marketing, and health literacy. Also presented will be an introduction to the range of data types (spoken and written; in person and online), collection methods, and qualitative and quantitative analyses used by linguists. We'll also brainstorm the ways that linguists can – and should – help with current and future projects.

The Thursday Think Tank is a weekly gathering of the IPaT community to brainstorm about research, and stay informed about the work that everyone is doing. Come interact with colleagues and engage on topics of shared interest.

Ideas for future Thursday Think Tanks? Send comments or suggestions to Russ Clark (russ.clark@gatech.edu) or Maribeth Gandy (maribeth@imtc.gatech.edu)