UC3M MediaLab Promotes Evidence-Based Health Communication with New Book Launch

The director of the MediaLab research group, Daniel Catalán Matamoros recently presented a health communication book, the third volume of the Communication and Agenda2030 collection at Coruña, Spain. The book, coordinated by Daniel Catalán, is titled Communication and Health: Contributions toward achieving the 2030 Goals examines the role of communication as a key tool for promoting health and well-being, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 3- Good Health and Wellbeing.

During the event, Catalán emphasised that health outcomes are not determined solely within healthcare systems, but are also shaped by communication processes. “Clear, ethical, and evidence-based communication can save lives,” he stated, warning that misinformation can undermine prevention, treatment adherence, and public trust. The researcher also addressed the growing influence of digital platforms on health information, particularly among younger audiences. “The phenomenon of ‘Doctor Google’ has now become ‘Doctor TikTok’,” he noted, pointing to the risks associated with algorithm-driven content and the spread of unverified health advice.

The presentation took place at the Oza Campus as part of the “Comunicar + Saúde” conference, bringing together academic and institutional representatives. Speakers highlighted the growing importance of communication in addressing contemporary health challenges, particularly in contexts of information overload. As noted by the organisers, the initiative reinforces the commitment to advancing research and knowledge transfer on the social impact of communication, especially in areas such as public health and responsible media practices.

The book is part of the HEALTHCOMM project implemented by MediaLab, aimed at analysing and shaping public discourse around health communication, particularly in digital environments where misinformation circulates rapidly. The HEALTHCOM project is funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities. Through projects that combine empirical research, data analysis and public engagement, MediaLab contributes to fostering more informed, evidence-based narratives in the media ecosystem.

Click here to get a copy of the book.